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In  the  Depths  of  the 
First  Degree 


By  James  Doran 

Author  of 
'  Zanthon,"  "  Our  Brother,"  etc.,  etc. 


The  Peter  Paul  Book  Company 
Buffalo,  New  York 

MDCCCXCVIII 


CONTENTS. 


£HAPTER.  PAGE. 

I.  AN  ENEMY  TO  RECTITUDE,    .                                             i 

II.  FOUR  CARDINAL  POINTS,             ...             12 

III.  IN  THE  TOILS  OF  LOVE,         .  .            .            .30 

IV.  THE  UTILITY  OF  PREVARICATION,           .  .             42 
V.  A  PREDICTION  VERIFIED,      .            .            .            .61 

VI.  WHERE  Two  CURRENTS  MEET,  ...             72 

VII.  AN  UNGODLY  HEIRLOOM,      .            .            .            .84 

VIII.  VIEWING  THE  GATHERING  CLOUDS,         .            .            97 

IX.  THE  RECORD  BROKEN,          .            .            .            .     in 

X.  WHAT  HISTORY  MUST  RECORB,              .            .           123 

XI.  AN  IMPRESSIVE  TRANSFORMATION,    .            .            .136 

XII.  WHAT  CAME  FROM  THE  DARKNESS,         .            .           151 

XIII.  AN  OLD  CRAFT  SIGHTED,       ....     165 

XIV.  "THE  POOR  MAN  OF  CHRISTENDOM,"      .  .           178 
XV.  A  TAKING  DESIGN,     .            .            .            .            .192 

XVI.  SOME  SECRETS  NEVER  TOLD,       .            .            .           205 

XVII.  THE  CARRIER  PIGEON  FALLS.     THE  BATTLEFIELD,     220 

XVIII.  SAFE  UNDER  FIRE,           ....           238 

XIX.  WOUNDED  ON  BOTH  SIDES,    ....     255 

XX.  THE  IDEAL  AND  THE  REAL,         .            .            .           271 

XXI.  THE  AFFINITY  OF  EVIL,         ....     283 

XXII.  BEFORE  THE  COURT  OF  EXIGENCY,          .            .           295 

XXIII.  THE  INNER  LIFE  OF  A  BAD  MAN,      .  .            .     308 

XXIV.  A  PECULIAR  NIGHT  BIRD,           .  ...           321 
XXV.  A  SPIRIT  THAT  RESPONDED,              .            .            .     335 

XXVI.  SHOWING  THE  DARK  HAND,        .            .            .           348 

XXVII.  A  STRANGE  COMPROMISE,      ....    361 

XXVIII.  SEEKING  THE  OLD  LAIR,             .            .            .           373 

XXIX.  THE  RESULT  OF  FINAL  REPARATION,            .            .     383 


In  the  Depths  of  the  First  Degree 


CHAPTER  I. 


AN    ENEMY    TO    RECTITUDE. 

|N  THE  fourth  year  of  the  presidency 
of  James  Buchanan,  while  west  winds 
were  heard  whispering  strange  love 
songs  to  autumn  leaves  and  the  glow 
of  summer  was  giving  place  to  tints 
of  a  darker  hue  in  the  heavens  and 
on  the  earth,  a  man  stood  in  the  face  of  the  morning 
on  an  upland  north  of  Omaha,  Nebraska,  evidently  intent 
on  observing  the  changes  in  progress  on  the  plain  beneath. 
This  man,  although  not  distinguished  by  characteristics 
peculiar  to  eminent  men  nor  endowed  with  the  rectitude 
of  an  average  citizen,  was  nevertheless  no  ordinary  indi- 
vidual, although  with  proper  precautions  directed  toward 
the  adjustment  of  his  dress,  he  could  easily  pass  unnoticed 
in  a  crowd;  but  his  conduct  had  been  reprehensible  and 
his  line  of  life  outside  the  pale  of  civilization  for  many 
years. 

In  figure  he  was  about  the  medium  height,  with  shoul- 
ders a  little  contracted  and  sloping,  showing  physical 
signs  of  age.  The  round  head  bent  slightly  forward  on  a 
thick  neck  must  have  been  erect  at  an  earlier  date.  The 
hair  worn  short,  and  originally  dark,  was  now  mixed  with 
gray,  while  the  diminutive  eyes,  dark  and  cunning,  indi- 
cated in  the  man  treacherous  propensities,  as  well  as  that 


2  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

they  possessed  a  wolfish  cast  capable  of  inspiring  terror  in 
a  peacefully  disposed  person  if  suddenly  encountered. 
Other  parts  in  the  facial  expression  were  shaped  in  pro- 
portion to  his  thickset  body:  large  pug  nose,  capacious 
mouth,  and  retreating  chin. 

The  pallor  on  his  countenance  was  remarkable,  and  his 
ears  were  flattened  out  above,  making  it  probable  they  had, 
while  off  his  guard,  been  pressed  with  a  smoothing  iron  in 
the  hands  of  an  enemy.  In  addition  to  these  suggestive 
signs  he  wore  a  scowling  aspect,  as  if  menaced  by  some 
impending  danger  or  difficulty.  The  lower  jaw  would  fall 
heavily  at  times,  showing  his  senses  were  shocked  by  some 
fearful  vision. 

Sounds  indicative  of  pain  or  distress  broke  through  his 
lips  like  the  whimpering  of  a  lower  animal  or  an  insane 
person  ;  and  he  would  walk  at  intervals  on  a  line  east  and 
west,  retracing  his  steps  to  the  point  from  which  he  had 
started,  in  the  manner  of  beasts  in  a  menagerie. 

It  was  only  during  the  present  year  he  had  come  up 
regularly  to  this  elevated  place  from  the  base  of  the  slope 
about  two  hundred  yards  distant  where  his  rude  cottage 
was  situated,  the  better  to  make  observations  in  accordance 
with  his  thoughts ;  but  people  imagined  his  object  might 
be  speculation  in  land  or  business  of  some  sort.  No  such 
idea,  however,  influenced  his  movements  or  touched  the 
darkness  of  his  soul. 

However  questionable  it  may  appear,  it  was  nevertheless 
true  that  he  was  in  the  presence  of  the  beautiful  in  nature, 
yet  knew  it  not.  He  did  not  note  the  sunshine  of  the 
morning  nor  the  Missouri  River  winding  southward  like  a 
serpentine  thread  of  bullion  flanked  by  patches  of  dark 
green  wood  or  low  brush.  Neither  did  he  observe  the 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  3 

great  plains  to  the  right,  nor  the  hills  and  valleys  of  Iowa 
to  the  left,  nor  the  flickering  light  among  the  taller  trees 
that  invaded  the  deep  shade  in  fantastic  dances.  He  did 
not  perceive  the  birds  of  bright  plumage  which  shot  arrows 
of  light  through  the  air  as  they  whirled  before  the  sun, 
nor  the  rich  haze  that  enveloped  the  distant  landscape  in 
a  splendor  such  as  ideal  minds  associate  with  fairy  tales. 

His  gaze  was  fixed  on  the  transformations  taking  place 
in  Omaha.  He  appeared  to  be  terrorized  at  the  approach 
of  progress  as  witnessed  in  the  fast  growing  city. 

This  circumstantial  evidence  in  his  case  will  indicate  to 
some  extent  the  true  character  of  the  man,  even  before  the 
statement  of  his  earlier  history  is  perused  by  the  reader. 
He  was  a  criminal  who  had  compromised  with  the  law 
for  his  freedom,  and  became  a  resident  of  this  place  in 
early  days  so  as  to  avoid  society.  As  a  matter  of  course, 
he  lived  under  an  assumed  name,  but  the  record  of  his 
birth  showed  he  had  been  called  Hamilton  Hitch. 

The  Hitch  family  resided  in  one  of  the  Eastern  states  in 
the  suburbs  of  a  large  city,  and  were  very  respectable  as 
well  as  wealthy  people.  Hamilton's  aunts,  three  in  num- 
ber, were  sterling  ladies,  leading  members  of  good  society 
and  highly  esteemed  for  their  intelligence  and  genial  man- 
ners, while  the  individuals  of  his  own  family  stood,  in 
public  estimation,  above  reproach. 

Up  to  the  age  of  fourteen  he  attended  school  with  fair 
educational  results.  At  that  time  he  was  residing  in  the 
home  of  his  uncle,  having  been  encouraged  to  study  for 
the  ministry,  the  eminent  profession  of  his  friend  and 
kinsman. 

Suddenly  it  became  known  that  the  young  student  was 
afflicted  with  kleptomania,  an  unconquerable  desire  to 


4  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

steal.  It  may  well  be  imagined  what  consternation  this 
discovery  created  among  his  friends.  It  seemed  inex- 
plicable. His  wants  and  requirements  had  been  supplied  in 
every  conceivable  manner.  Luxury  surrounded  him.  Com- 
panionship, friendship,  and  love  were  his  in  abundance. 
Even  fame  was  about  to  be  thrust  upon  him  gratuitously.  All 
these  acquisitions,  acquired  or  in  perspective,  he  rejected 
for  the  low-bred  propensity  of  theft.  As  far  as  known,  his 
operations  were  first  confined  to  the  valuables  of  his  uncle 
and  aunts,  but  when  this  field  gave  out  he  turned  in  on 
their  acquaintances. 

When  the  case  came  up  in  the  household  of  the  Hitches 
for  examination,  and  Hamilton  was  upbraided  for  his 
criminal  propensities,  he  lied  in  answering  the  charges 
preferred  against  him,  thus  exhibiting  another  detestable 
habit.  Of  course,  it  was  easy  to  find  the  truth  and  prove 
beyond  a  doubt  that  he  was  guilty,  seeing  the  number  of 
thefts  he  had  committed  as  well  as  that  much  of  the  stolen 
goods  was  found  in  his  bedroom  or  on  his  person. 

When  every  suspicion  or  hope  of  his  innocence  had 
given  place  to  the  certainty  of  crime  perpetrated  with 
deliberation  and  premeditation  on  his  part,  the  grief  of  his 
relations  knew  no  bounds.  They  expostulated,  prayed, 
threatened;  they  reminded  him  of  his  duties  in  life  as  well 
as  what  he  owed  themselves.  Then  they  promised  him 
extraordinary  gifts  if  he  would  only  reform :  all  his  former 
deeds  would  be  forgiven  and  they  would  love  him  with  a 
greater  display  of  feeling  than  ever  before.  This  was  not 
all. 

He  was  kept  on  trial  or  probation  for  six  months,  his 
friends  hoping  for  reformation.  It  did  not  come.  Nothing 
appeared  capable  of  moving  him  towards  goodness.  He 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  5 

made  no  effort  whatever  to  control  his  criminal  disposition, 
but  practiced  it  as  heretofore.  It  appeared  to  be  a  fascina- 
tion from  which  he  could  not  be  separated  —  a  link  in  a 
chain  binding  him  to  a  course  of  evil  forever. 

The  liability  of  his  conduct  to  entail  disgrace  on  inno- 
cent individuals  of  high  social  standing  in  his  family 
became  more  menacing  to  them  in  its  attitude  than  the 
appearance  of  a  cyclone  or  a  plague.  With  them  there 
was  grief  on  the  one  hand  but  prudence  in  the  interests  of 
honor  on  the  other.  After  mature  deliberation  it  was 
determined  to  protect  themselves  by  heroic  methods, 
regardless  of  personal  feelings. 

Hamilton  Hitch  was  invited  one  evening  by  a  friend  of 
the  family  to  accompany  him  to  Boston  on  the  night  train, 
and  upon  their  arrival  there  was  given  in  charge  to  the 
captain  of  a  ship  bound  for  a  long  voyage,  with  instructions 
to  have  the  young  man  work  before  the  mast  until  he 
became  an  able  seaman. 

The  boy  understood  the  movement  thoroughly  and  the 
causes  leading  to  its  enactment.  He  made  no  complaint 
of  any  kind.  It  was  characteristic  of  him  to  be  reticent, 
to  continue  in  a  mood  called  by  some  people  "a  dogged 
silence,"  so  as  to  avoid  giving  a  clue  to  his  inner  thoughts. 
This  was  the  only  wisdom  he  seemed  to  possess.  So 
tenaciously  did  he  adhere  to  it  that  his  favorite  school 
companions  knew  nothing  of  his  evil  inclination  during 
the  whole  period  of  their  association  with  him,  and 
when  told  the  rumors  of  his  fate  they  would  not  give  them 
credence,  like  generous  little  men. 

At  home,  all  traces  of  the  boy's  existence  were  carefully 
removed,  his  books,  clothing,  and  playthings  burned,  and 
his  name  forbidden  to  be  mentioned  among  his  friends. 


6  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

Thus  were  created  two  items  as  sources  of  human  sorrow 
—  the  criminal  abroad  and  the  memory  of  him  at  home  — 
one  bringing  chastisement  to  the  body,  the  other  misery  to 
the  soul. 

Hamilton  Hitch  adapted  himself  to  his  new  position  as 
best  he  could,  working  in  the  rigging  among  ropes  and 
clip  hooks  or  aloft  in  the  shrouds,  sometimes  in  the  slush 
of  the  sea  on  deck,  filling  his  allotted  time  of  two  hours 
on  and  four  off  through  all  kinds  of  weather,  day  and 
night.  There  were  no  means  of  shirking  his  duty,  or  utility 
in  opposing  the  will  of  the  skipper,  his  commander.  He 
soon  learned  to  avoid  the  blow  of  chastisement  from 
a  rope's  end  or  the  butt  of  a  belaying  pin.  What  he 
suffered  no  one  noticed,  what  he  felt  no  one  knew. 

Whether  the  recollection  of  his  fond  mother's  solicitude 
for  his  welfare  haunted  his  thoughts  or  that  he  yearned  to 
be  again  in  the  fields  and  woods  of  his  boyhood  days,  there 
appeared  no  evidence  either  in  his  words  or  deeds.  It  was 
only  known  that,  when  his  ship  returned,  he  left  her  and 
sought  in  the  slums  of  great  cities  the  indulgence  of  his 
ruling  passion,  theft.  His  identity  became  lost  in  the 
darkness  of  crime  and  the  oblivion  which  encompasses 
degradation. 

He  fled  before  civilization  like  the  shadow  of  the  earth 
before  the  sun,  as  something  that  would  interrupt  the  course 
of  his  existence  and  destroy  the  fascination  on  which  his 
mind  eternally  feasted. 

His  tussle  with  the  law  which  then  confronted  him  be- 
came terrific.  The  struggle  for  supremacy  or  immunity 
from  punishment  while  pursuing  criminal  practices  was 
great  and  persistent.  He  fought  like  a  desperate  man 
imbued  with  the  idea  that  the  battle,  being  for  his  own 


THE  FIRS T  DEGREE.  7 

interests,  should  be  maintained  to  the  end  with  all  the 
power  available. 

The  instinct  of  evil  in  him,  gifted  with  subtle  energy  and 
strategic  devices,  stood  up  before  justice  only  to  fall  in 
ignominy  at  its  feet.  In  his  ignorance  of  truth,  he  felt 
like  one  stricken  with  lightning.  The  petty  schemes 
concocted  by  his  false  reasoning  vanished  when  he  was 
most  in  need  of  help,  like  icicles  in  the  rays  of  the  sun. 

To  the  excitement  of  his  habits  there  were  added  hard- 
ship and  punishment  as  well  as  defeat.  He  became 
familiar  with  wretched  clothing  and  scanty  fare,  the 
scowls  of  an  unrelenting  public,  the  stubborn  watchfulness 
and  opposition  of  the  police,  the  vitiated  atmosphere 
prevailing  in  places  where  criminals  sought  concealment, 
the  loathsomeness  of  prison  cells  and  the  harsh,  uncom- 
promising shock  of  hard  labor.  Shame,  regret,  honor, 
and  decency  deserted  him.  No  peace,  no  moiety  of 
happiness  or  contentment  or  sunshine  of  the  heart  ever  was 
his.  If  he  were  not  afflicted  with  the  dread  of  being  cap- 
tured, he  felt  the  shackles  on  his  arms,  or  the  hustling  of 
the  officers  running  him  to  jail,  or  the  stare  of  the  people 
while  he  stood  in  the  criminals'  dock,  or  the  dreadful 
society  of  the  chain  gang  ! 

To  him,  the  bright  world,  fashioned  to  be  beautiful  by 
the  eternal  powers  and  supported  by  an  invisible  counter- 
poise, was  dark.  His  thoughts  regarded  humanity  as  an 
enemy  to  be  attacked  on  sight  and  pilfered  without  re- 
morse. 

Notwithstanding  successive  periods  of  imprisonment,  he 
still  held  on  in  his  course,  believing  there  was  as  much 
merit  or  glory  in  his  profession  as  that  of  him  who  betrays 
his  trust  in  society  and  escapes  the  consequences.  Besides, 


8  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

he  desired  to  graduate  through  all  the  degrees  of  it  from 
petty  thief  to  highwayman  where  murder  is  associated 
with  robbery.  It  may  be  said  that  he  went  through  his 
curriculum  as  contemplated  ;  but,  after  a  practice  of  twenty 
years  as  a  professional  thief,  he  found  his  health  very  much 
impaired  and  himself  behind  prison  bars  with  the  prospect 
of  paying  the  penalty  of  his  crimes  on  the  gallows. 

In  the  last  act,  he  had  aimed  too  high.  The  glory  he 
anticipated  had  come,  but  with  it  a  certainty  of  untimely 
death.  In  company  with  a  chosen  band  of  robbers,  he  had 
attacked  the  traveling  equipage  of  a  rich  merchant  who 
was  conveying  his  family  to  his  country  home.  What  fol- 
lowed was  atrocious  in  the  extreme.  The  good  people 
were  murdered,  and  the  perpetrators  of  the  crime,  except- 
ing Hamilton  Hitch,  escaped. 

The  case  attracted  widespread  attention  and  commotion. 
Large  rewards  were  offered  for  the  apprehension  of  the 
other  criminals.  As  there  appeared  some  fear  that  they 
might  escape,  a  detective  suggested  to  the  prisoner  that  he 
could  save  his  neck  by  revealing  the  names  of  the  members 
of  the  gang  with  whom  he  had  been  identified  in  this  last 
murderous  transaction. 

It  was  a  tempting  offer,  and,  when  duly  considered,  Ham- 
ilton Hitch,  yielding  to  the  importunities  of  the  prompter, 
gave  such  information  as  brought  his  associates  to  execu- 
tion, thus  satisfying  the  law  and  the  people.  The  com- 
promise, however,  while  granting  him  liberty,  imposed  cer- 
tain conditions  which  he  must  strictly  observe. 

The  place  of  his  sojourn  would  be  recorded  and  com- 
municated to  the  local  police  or  other  authorities  in  his 
vicinity  so  as  to  establish  a  kind  of  guarantee  that  he  was 
living  out  of  mischief.  He  must  leave  the  state  and  on  no 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  9 

account  commit  crime  in  future,  as  he  was  merely  a  crimi- 
nal enjoying  leave  of  absence  on  good  behavior ;  otherwise 
he  would  be  prosecuted  and  his  former  career  exposed  so 
as  to  militate  against  his  case  and  secure  his  condemnation. 

This  important  turning  point  in  his  life  convinced  him 
conclusively  that  his  game  against  the  law  had  been  played 
with  a  losing  hand  ;  but  at  the  same  time  it  did  not  induce 
him  to  espouse  rectitude.  Oh,  no !  His  own  reflections 
on  the  subject  decided  that  although  beaten  he  was  not 
conquered  to  such  extent  as  to  be  forced  to  renounce  his 
principles,  whatever  their  character.  If  the  muzzling 
process  prevented  him  from  biting,  he  might  bark  with 
impunity.  Deprived  of  the  rights  and  privileges  of  a 
robber,  he  could  be  a  cynic.  If  he  could  no  longer 
appropriate  the  coin  of  other  people  for  his  own  use,  it 
would  be  possible  to  reach  out  and  assail  character  without 
interruption  or  fear  of  civil  statute.  Like  Lucifer,  he  could 
design  evil  over  and  above  the  constituted  powers. 

Hence  when  he  crossed  the  Missouri  to  seek  a  hiding 
place  among  the  paths  of  the  beasts  and  the  homes  of  the 
birds  in  the  beautiful  territory  of  Nebraska,  his  record  was 
filed  in  the  breast  pocket  of  the  sheriff  and  his  heart 
charged  with  malice  against  the  human  race. 

It  was  thought  he  possessed  some  wealth ;  and  the  sup- 
position seemed  well  founded,  for  he  followed  no  regular 
trade  or  business,  yet  possessed  ample  means  of  support. 

As  land  was  cheap  in  those  days,  he  purchased  five  acres 
folfca  trifling  sum  of  money  and  erected  on  the  margin  of 
it  a  cabin  for  a  home.  It  was  not  that  he  desired  to  be  the 
owner  of  real  estate  even  to  the  extent  here  named,  but 
there  was  nothing  less  for  sale  in  the^market  at  the  time. 
Then  he  took  a  wife  whose  history  need  not  be  written  on 


10  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

these  pages.  She  became  the  mother  of  one  child,  a  boy 
whom  she  called  Danderton,  and  tended  to  his  wants  until 
he  was  ten  years  of  age,  when  she  died.  From  this  time 
forward,  father  and  son  lived  with  the  inconveniences 
and  rough  habits  of  backwoodsmen. 

In  view  of  their  house  there  grew  up  a  village  with  its 
main  street  of  tunnel-like  stores,  its  roadway  disfigured  by 
gulleys  and  ruts,  its  sidewalks  dilapidated,  and  the  signs 
above  the  doors  capable  of  oscillating  on  rusty  hinges  in 
the  wind.  While  this  primitive  evidence  of  man's  ability 
for  design  remained  a  trading  post,  it  was  tolerable  to 
Hamilton  Hitch ;  but  when,  in  the  course  of  time,  it 
acquired  new  strength  and  began  to  assume  metropolitan 
airs  in  pushing  its  limits  far  beyond  the  last  outposts  of  his 
boundary  fence,  he  became  visibly  distressed.  Then  labor 
and  capital  rolled  in  and  set  industry  in  motion.  Every 
improvement  troubled  him. 

At  the  time  of  his  introduction  here,  when  his  age  must 
have  been  about  fifty-eight  or  fifty-nine  years,  his  dissatis- 
faction exceeded  all  bounds.  Not  only  was  the  evidence 
of  human  progress  displayed  before  him  in  the  opening  of 
new  streets,  the  construction  of  large  brick  buildings,  and 
the  influx  of  strangers,  but  wild  rumors  were  afloat  that 
a  transcontinental  railroad  would  actually  pass  through 
the  place  and  Omaha  become  a  great  city  ! 

It  was  singular  that  what  contributed  unbounded  pleas- 
ure to  every  other  citizen  in  the  community  should  inflict 
punishment  on  him.  The  invisible  power  struck  him  with 
a  golden  rod,  causing  as  deep  a  wound  as  if  it  had  been 
iron.  Nor  did  it  appear  that  the  increase  in  the  value  of  his 
own  property  served  to  mitigate  his  mental  hardship.  His 
vitiated  imagination  conjured  up  a  strange  supposition  that 


THE  FIRS T  DE GREE.  1 1 

the  eternal  powers  connected  with  the  affairs  of  mankind 
were  operating  against  him  purposely  with  the  view  of 
effecting  his  utter  extirpation,  and  had  stimulated  the  pres- 
ent work  in  Omaha  in  order  to  deprive  him  of  his  resting 
place. 

Habitual  reference  to  such  thoughts  made  him  despond- 
ent even  while  the  sunshine  shed  its  glory  on  the  spot 
where  he  stood,  as  if  some  fiend  from  the  illimitable  depths 
of  darkness  maliciously  touched  his  spirit  with  concentrated 
fright.  It  was  evident  he  was  tortured  by  irrepressible  an- 
guish such  as  admits  of  little  or  no  relief. 

The  savage  retreat  he  had  instituted  for  himself  would 
soon  be  wholly  obliterated  and  its  obscurity  illuminated  by 
the  light  of  progressive  industry.  This  would  necessitate 
a  transfer  of  his  record  further  west — into  mountain  caves 
or  the  society  of  rocks,  perhaps. 

If  he  were  to  remain  in  Omaha,  many  newcomers,  ignor- 
ant of  his  true  character,  would  invade  his  residence  and 
intrude  on  his  attention  with  their  undesirable  presence. 
He  would  hear  again  the  platitude  of  the  fool  and  the 
boasting  of  the  vainglorious  clown.  He  would  be  called 
pioneer,  trapper,  squire,  or  mossback,  according  to  trie 
temper  of  the  crowd.  The  daily  routine  of  society  would 
again  surround  him  with  its  hypocritical  show  of  virtue  to 
cover  the  deformity  of  vice,  its  pretense  of  friendship 
exercised  in  behalf  of  self-interest,  and  its  false  love 
fleeing  like  a  meteor  that  appears  for  an  instant  and  is 
gone. 

Must  he  reverse  the  instincts  which  guided  him  hereto- 
fore to  follow  such  examples  of  rectitude?  Oh,  no,  no! 
not  by  the  most  minute  sign  imaginable !  He  would 
show  the  true  color  of  what  was  in  him  by  adhering  fast  to 


12  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

his  preferences,  and  war — mentally,  at  least — against  the 
industrial  and  moral  efforts  of  the  human  race. 

In  this  attitude  he  was  not  alone.  If  his  fate  was  to  exist 
in  the  shadow  of  civilization,  it  must  be  admitted  there  was 
a  large  number  of  persons  coming  under  the  same  category 
in  civilized  countries.  They  opposed  law,  and  in  their 
ignorance  advocated  measures  which,  if  carried  out,  would 
overturn  justice  and  all  good  principles  as  known  to  man. 
There  was  a  sprinkling  of  them  everywhere,  from  the  halls 
of  legislation  to  the  inner  circle  of  secret  conclaves  where 
the  restoration  of  chaos  was  contemplated. 

If  he  relaxed  any  of  his  intentions,  it  must  be  in  favor  of 
his  son's  advancement,  whose  career  would  probably  be 
directed  into  different  ways  from  that  of  his  own.  Perhaps 
it  might  be  possible  to  live  within  society  and  yet  be  the 
thing  he  always  was !  Others  did  likewise !  The  smile 
passing  over  his  features  at  these  thoughts  seemed  cast  in  a 
mold  of  the  bottomless  pit.  He  drew  in  the  air  through 
the  side  of  his  mouth  with  a  whistling  noise  as  he  descended 
the  upland  to  his  home  intent  on  a  conference  with  his  son 
on  their  future  situation  and  prospects,  a  subject  discussed 
on  several  previous  occasions. 


CHAPTER  II. 

FOUR   CARDINAL    POINTS. 

DANDERTON   HITCH,   the  son  of  Hamilton,    was 
bred  with  evil  influences.      As  a   boy,  he  sought 
to  emulate  his  father  in  those  characteristics  which  had 
made  the  latter  notorious  in  the  records  of  criminal  pro- 
ceedings heretofore   noticed,    but  was  energetically  and 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  13 

persistently  restrained  from  pursuing  this  course  as  if  his 
moral  training  had  been  committed  into  the  hands  of  the 
most  exemplary  character  in  the  township. 

This  action  on  the  part  of  his  parent  proved  the  variety 
of  motives  that  may  be  adduced  in  support  of  any  particu- 
lar case  as  well  as  the  resources  of  circumstances.  It  was 
not  that  Hamilton  Hitch  loved  right  and  hated  wrong  like 
his  own  parents,  but  that  he  had  resolved,  if  possible,  his 
son  Danderton  should  not  suffer  the  severity  of  prison 
discipline  which  had  given  such  a  deep  and  lasting  impres- 
sion to  his  own  mind.  Hence  every  aspiration  of  the  father 
for  his  son,  mental  and  physical,  resolved  itself  into  this 
single  admonition,  'Keep  him  out  of  jail.' 

It  is  true  some  of  Danderton's  petty  thefts  from  emi- 
grant trains  were  unknown  to  the  authorities  or  his  father; 
but  whenever  the  boy  was  found  disturbing  the  peace  of 
the  village  or  doing  any  mischief  liable  to  bring  him  under 
the  notice  of  the  constable,  the  man  invariably  came  for- 
ward and  offered  restitution  or  compensation  for  the  injury, 
trespass,  or  offense  complained  of,  so  as  to  keep  public 
opinion  in  a  favorable  mood  towards  his  son. 

As  the  boy  grew,  the  desire  for  criminal  practice  ceased 
to  a  minimum  under  the  nature  of  his  surroundings,  show- 
ing he  possessed  no  taint  of  kleptomania  and  that  heredi- 
tary transmission  did  not  hold  good  in  his  case.  There- 
fore when  he  reached  maturity  he  was  not  hopelessly  and 
absolutely  committed  to  the  perpetration  of  wrong-doing. 

His  struggle  to  imitate  the  conduct  of  other  men  as  fac- 
tors of  everyday  life  proved  fairly  successful,  and  many  per- 
sons, newcomers,  thought  him  a  good  fellow.  Besides  his 
efforts  at  appearances,  there  was  an  internal  monitor  urging 
him  to  adopt  good  principles  on  their  own  account ;  and 


14  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

there  were  moments  when  his  young  head  and  heart  turned 
suddenly  in  that  direction,  as  if  he  yearned  to  espouse  them 
or  were  in  search  of  other  channels  of  self-gratification  than 
the  pursuit  of  perversity  alone. 

On  such  occasions,  gleams  of  delight  that  startled  him 
into  mute  wonder  flitted  across  his  mind.  These  prompt- 
ings grew  up  side  by  side  with  his  other  propensities  and 
strengthened  with  his  years  until  he  began  to  make  sug- 
gestions that  alarmed  the  father,  relating  to  a  position  in 
good  society.  While  his  education  had  been  neglected, 
the  aptitude  he  displayed  for  the  retention  of  knowledge 
impelled  him  to  seek  information  of  value  from  every  per- 
son he  met,  and  in  this  way  increased  considerably  the 
amount  collected  at  the  day  school  in  the  village,  which  he 
had  attended  some  time.  His  language,  too,  was  carefully 
studied  by  imitation,  so  that,  hearing  him  discourse  on  the 
questions  of  the  day,  one  would  imagine  he  was  a  professor 
of  metaphysics  endowed  with  the  ability  of  deducing  new 
facts  from  chaos  that  would  revolutionize  the  world  ! 

The  power  most  wanting  in  him  appeared  to  be  an 
incapacity  for  discriminating  between  good  and  evil.  He 
did  not  know,  and  it  seemed  he  did  not  care  to  know,  one 
from  the  other  so  long  as  he  committed  no  overt  act  whose 
effect  would  place  him  in  jeopardy  with  the  law. 

During  his  schooldays,  he  was  taught  technicalities  for 
the  most  part,  to  the  exclusion  of  principles,  and  therefore 
was  not,  perhaps,  solely  responsible  for  the  deficiencies 
referred  to  here. 

As  the  father  entered  the  house  on  the  memorable  occa- 
sion mentioned  at  the  close  of  the  last  chapter,  Danderton's 
look  of  recognition  was  clear  and  intellectual,  with  a  cer- 
tain amount  of  proud  self-confidence  in  it  that  persons 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  15 

usually  exhibit  when  conscious  of  possessing  individual 
power. 

He  was  now  a  man  above  the  average  in  strength,  with 
broad  features  and  large  limbs.  His  height  reached  six 
feet  two,  and  the  massiveness  of  his  chest  appeared  con- 
spicuous. There  were  some  minor  deformities  in  his  person  : 
one  of  the  shoulders  seemed  higher  than  its  fellow ;  while 
his  eyes,  when  poising  to  observe  an  object,  trembled  in 
their  sockets,  on  account  of  a  permanent  nervous  disorder 
or  defect  connected  with  the  orbital  attachments.  The 
countenance  was  not  prepossessing,  but  the  figure  might  be 
accounted  straight.  A  dark  color  displayed  itself  on  his 
appearance.  The  hair  glossy  black  like  an  Indian's,  the 
skin  tawny,  the  eyes  brown,  and  the  eyebrows  heavy  and 
black.  His  dress  was  neat,  and  altogether  Danderton  Hitch 
looked  like  a  young  man  of  the  times. 

The  elder  man's  harsh,  complaining  voice  was  first  heard, 
although  at  certain  periods  he  insinuated  a  modulating  roll 
into  it  that  sounded  strangely  musical.  He  said  : 

"  Those  Eastern  people  mean  to  settle  down  here,  it 
seems  to  me." 

"What  of  it,  old  man?"  returned  Danderton,  good- 
humoredly. 

"  We'll  be  disturbed.  I  don't  want  so  many  fools  near 
me,  I  can  tell  you.  The  idea  that  this  western  country  will 
ever  be  filled  or  amount  to  shucks  is  all  buncombe.  There's 
nothing  on  the  earth  here  or  in  it  that  I  can  see.  If  they 
hunt  antelope,  they  will  find  it  a  poor  paying  job." 

"  They  ain't  going  to  hunt  antelope." 

"  No.  I  suppose  they'll  pry  open  other  people's  busi- 
ness and  nose  around  to  find  something  wrong  with  old 
settlers." 


16  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

"I  think,"  replied  Danderton  seriously,  "we  have  no 
reason  to  fear  either  disturbance  or  misfortune,  no  matter 
how  many  come  into  the  place.  I  rather  believe  it  will  be 
better  for  us,  as  real  estate  is  booming,  and  your  property 
is  sure  to  fetch  you  a  tidy  sum. ' ' 

"Aye,  but  the  old  record  is  there,"  said  the  man  with 
bitterness.  "  Money  is  good  enough  in  its  way,  but — " 

He  stopped  suddenly,  not  knowing  how  to  qualify  his 
words  or  what  he  was  about  to  say.  After  a  little  reflection 
he  proceeded  : 

"I  never  paid  any  attention  to  the  prospect  of  gaining 
money  here.  I  believed  there  was  nothing  in  it.  The 
amount  secured  formerly  proved  enough  for  our  wants,  with 
a  trifle  left  to  keep  the  wolf  from  the  door.  It  would  be 
strange  if  my  investment  in  this  piece  of  land  should  prove 
as  successful  as  that  of  other  men — /,  the  hound  that  was 
hunted  ! — /,  the  black  sheep  that  had  no  rest  until  chained 
in  solitude,  and  then  nothing  better  than  reflection  that 
pierced  my  heart  like  a  lance  !  I  hated  society  in  former 
times  and  I  hate  it  yet  for  its  meddlesome  ways  and  foolish 
aspirations  after  superiority  that  cannot  exist.  We'll  be 
run  out  of  here  to  make  room  for  low  trash  coming  in  to 
try  their  hands  at  progress.  Such  humbug  1  They  cannot 
induce  me  to  take  that  in  if  I  know  myself  —  not  much." 

"  We  shall  stay  right  here  all  the  same,"  remarked  Dan- 
derton quietly. 

"I  want  no  law,  or  church,  or  society,  or  neighbors 
around  me,"  said  the  father  in  a  voice  filled  with  the 
bitter  sarcasm  of  malignity  and  despair. 

"  You  are  amusing  this  morning,"  returned  Danderton 
with  a  smile,  "but  you  may  change  the  program  when 
I  explain  the  situation  as  I  see  it.  If  we  put  on  appear- 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  17 

ances  like  half  the  world,  we  can  get  along  as  right  as  a 
fiddle  without  the  least  notice.  While  you  act  inside  the 
law,  you  may  be  as  good  as  the  next  man.  The  people  who 
have  come  to  look  for  homes  or  employment  will  never 
hunt  up  your  past  history.  That  you  may  rely  on." 

"Do  you  mean  we  ought  to  make  a  show  of  being  reli- 
gious, charitable,  and  just,  loving  the  law,  and  all  that?  " 

"No,  not  to  the  extent  you  mention.  Let  us  be  plain 
citizens,  join  the  crowd  in  city  affairs,  and  take  our  chances 
with  them.  There's  policy  in  it,  if  nothing  else." 

The  scowl  on  the  face  of  the  father  darkened,  and  his 
eyes  emitted  the  fire  of  a  villainous  look  as  he  answered 
the  suggestions  of  his  son. 

"I  never  will.  I'll  be  the  thing  I  am,  straight.  I  have 
taken  my  choice  of  sides,  boy,  long  ago.  It  is  too  late  to 
turn  back." 

Still  unmoved  by  the  acrimony  of  the  man,  Danderton 
pleaded  for  the  predominance  of  his  plans  with  the  delib- 
eration of  a  skilled  diplomatist.  He  resumed  : 

"Something  must  be  done  to  meet  the  changes  in  the 
times.  We  cannot  remain  stationary  as  heretofore.  I  must 
go  into  business,  sure,  or  travel.  No  more  delay  is  admis- 
sible in  our  case.  I  have  been  studying  for  quite  a  white 
on  certain  things  which  I  shall  reveal  to  you  now,  because 
the  time  for  doing  so  has  come." 

"What  things?" 

"  I  may  call  them  four  cardinal  points,  as  they  relate  to 
you  and  me  individually  and  collectively,  or  are  designed 
to  meet  our  wants  at  present  and  in  the  future." 

"Ah!  but  the  record  is  still  there  that  nothing  can 
erase,"  said  Hamilton  Hitch. 


18  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

"  Hang  the  record  !  What's  the  matter  with  it,  anyway  ? 
Now  hear  me. 

"The  first  point  is  all  under  the  head  of  appearances. 
We  must  build  a  house  with  modern  improvements,  furnish 
it  according  to  the  ideas  held  by  people  in  good  society, 
dress  ourselves  in  broadcloth,  pull  on  dandy  boots  and  silk 
hats,  and  show  ourselves  on  the  streets  either  as  business 
men  or  speculators  anxious  to  advance  the  prosperity  or 
well-being  of  the  city.  Your  property  is  now  as  valuable  as 
any  here,  and  therefore  we  can  command  as  much  money 
as  we  may  require  by  the  sale  of  a  small  portion  of  it. 
Why,  dad,  some  of  us  may  be  selected  to  run  for  the 
mayoralty  !  " 

The  semblance  of  a  smile  flitted  across  the  father's  face 
at  the  hopeful  tenor  of  the  young  man's  views.  Danderton 
continued : 

"You  need  not  be  troubled  much,  because  I  shall  do  the 
working  part.  All  in  the  world  I  want  is  the  assistance  of 
your  approval,  and  I  promise  you  will  be  satisfied." 

"  I  ain't  in  it,  boy.  Any  acquaintance  with  the  people 
must  end  in  trouble.  I'll  keep  out  of  danger  as  long  as  I 
can.  If  I  saw  a  lady  carrying  her  purse  in  her  hand  as  a 
kind  of  show-card,  I  would  be  tempted  to  touch  her 
forcibly  on  the  elbow  so  as  to  make  her  hand  powerless, 
when  she  would  drop  the  valuable  receptacle;  and  in  the 
confusion  I  could,  of  course,  make  it  mine.  My  plan  is 
best:  where  there  is  trouble,  steer  clear  of  it." 

Danderton  straightened  himself  for  a  new  effort.  The 
shadow  of  a  malicious  thought  passed  over  his  features. 
He  looked  at  his  father  for  an  instant,  calculating,  no 
doubt,  the  effect  of  his  words,  as  he  said: 

"  You  hanker  too  much  after  the  one  thing.     Why  not 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  19 

take  something  new  for  a  change?  For  instance,  you  might 
operate  against  the  people  in  other  ways  than  robbery.  If 
you  hate  'em,  I  shall  place  you  in  a  position  where  you  may 
strike  to  your  heart's  content  and  yet  be  accounted  guilt- 
less. It  is  possible  to  live  on  the  borders  of  crime  and  get 
the  support  of  a  large  part  of  public  opinion.  There  are 
thousands  at  the  game." 

The  man  started.  He  opened  his  mouth  —  not  to  speak, 
but  in  wonder  that  such  a  condition  mentioned  by  the  son 
could  possibly  exist.  The  strange  prospect  smote  the 
center  of  his  intelligence  with  peculiar  force,  bringing  out 
of  it  a  gleam  of  his  favorite  ambition.  Nothing  would 
suit  him  better  than  a  place  where  he  could  work  injury  to 
his  fellow  man  with  impunity.  He  glanced  at  his  son  as  if 
inviting  a  continuation  of  the  subject.  Danderton  con- 
tinued : 

"On  the  pretense  of  being  right,  advise  the  people  to 
do  wrong.  There  are  many  who  do  not  know  how  to 
judge  for  themselves.  Manufacture  the  worst  lies  imagin- 
able, but  maintain  they  are  your  opinions,  and  claim  the 
right  to  express  them  where  you  please.  They  cannot  be 
worse  than  what  other  fools  say,  even  on  public  questions. 
Be  a  little  careful  not  to  go  too  far  on  this  line,  unless  you 
are  attached  to  a  party,  when  it  will  be  understood  that 
money  or  place  is  your  real  object  and  not  a  desire  to 
reach  the  truth,  and  your  associates  will  back  you  under 
the  obligation  of  by-laws  or  political  fellowship.  Encour- 
age workingmen  to  acts  of  violence  on  the  grounds  that 
you  are  their  friend  and  that  they  have  been  deprived  of 
their  rights,  which  they  should  recover  in  the  way  pre- 
scribed. The  disturbance  will  cripple  industry,  and  bring 
poverty  to  the  doors  of  honest  men.  Suppress  the  truth 


20  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

or  misrepresent  it;  afterwards  it  can  only  be  said  you  did 
the  best  you  could  under  the  circumstances.  Distort  the 
news  until  it  becomes  sensational ;  in  the  meantime  it  may 
cause  widespread  failure  or  calamity.  Defend  criminals 
and  defame  virtue  whenever  possible  without  stirring  up 
public  censure.  Advocate  the  impossible,  so  that  men 
and  women  may  pursue  it  and  fail,  catching  in  their 
struggles  at  the  belief  that  there  is  no  good  at  all  in  human 
life.  Malign  the  character  of  men  in  public  offices,  by  in- 
sinuation if  not  directly ;  it  will  be  supposed  you  are  endeav- 
oring to  purify  the  political  atmosphere  and  restore  good 
government.  Do  all  this  on  the  grounds  of  being  a  mag- 
nanimous person  wholly  interested  in  the  elevation  of  the 
human  race,  and  you  will  not  only  be  admired,  but  have  a 
large  following  whose  members  will  swear  you  are  a  true 
representative  of  the  people's  rights  !  " 

The  eyes  of  the  father  kindled  with  enthusiasm.  The 
harsh  lines  of  obstinacy  worn  heretofore  on  his  features 
became  softer  as  he  gazed  in  astonishment  at  his  son, 
admiring  evidently  the  indication  presented  in  the  fore- 
going speech  of  his  talent  for  crime  such  as  might  make 
him  in  time  the  counterpart  of  himself. 

After  further  reflection  he  said  : 

"  Dander  ton,  that  beats  me.  I  reckoned  an  expert 
thief  ahead  of  everybody;  but  I  guess  I'm  away  back." 

Seeing  the  success  gained  over  his  father's  stubbornness, 
the  young  man  resumed  his  discourse  with  the  dictatorial 
voice  of  a  master. 

"You  stopped  the  law  against  yourself  and  thought  it  a 
great  feat,  but  I  can  use  worse  implements  than  yours  under 
cover  of  its  wings  and  make  it  work  with  me.  The  trouble 
in  your  past  life  was  this :  you  did  not  know  enough  to 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  21 

be  thoroughly  bad.  You  were  too  honest  —  mere  green- 
horn. Hypocrisy  should  have  been  added  to  the  desire 
for  robbery  and  murder,  and  smooth-faced  sycophancy 
that  deludes  the  unsuspecting  and  smothers  golden-haired 
judgment.  You  should  have  denounced  goodness  wherever 
it  appeared,  and  vilified  innocence  until  public  opinion,  so 
far  as  possible,  reckoned  it  on  a  par  with  infamy.  Why, 
dad,  you  were  a  noble  fellow  compared  with  men  I 
have  met  who  held  society  by  the  ears  at  their  pleasure. 
Now,  in  order  to  comply  with  my  program,  we 
must  join  one  of  the  parties  contending  for  power  in  the 
United  States.  There  is  a  demand  for  outspoken  words, 
whether  right  or  wrong,  that  should  be  turned  to  our 
advantage.  We  might  talk  back,  for  instance,  to  the  men 
who  want  slavery  abolished,  and  get  pay  as  well  as  pro- 
tection for  it.  To  do  this  and  be  on  the  safe  side,  there 
is  but  one  way  of  working  that  I  can  see.  It  is  the  second 
undertaking  I  wish  you  to  approve." 

"  What  is  it,  Danderton  ? ' ' 

"  Start  a  newspaper.  There  is  money  and  money's 
worth  in  it,  besides  what  I  mentioned.  The  discontented 
classes  will  follow  us  to  a  man  if  we  be  sure  and  pander  to 
their  prejudices.  Society  is  so  much  disturbed — that  is,  all 
classes  of  people — we  may  recommend  the  most  extravagant 
schemes  and  get  plenty  of  backing  for  them.  I  tell  you,  dad, 
our  times  are  coming.  Give  growlers  lots  of  rope.  Instead 
of  leading,  we  shall  follow.  Play  with  men's  ideas  until 
they  imagine  they  are  capable  of  overturning  the  world. 
They  will  believe  everything  you  tell  them  while  under  the 
influence  of  flattery,  and  will  spend  the  last  dollar  in  their 
possession  to  help  the  business  and  never  think  we  were  to 
blame,  whatever  happens." 


•2-2  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

The  smile  on  the  father's  face  gradually  disappeared, 
and  the  lower  jaw  fell  with  a  snap,  as  if  his  feelings  were 
engrossed  by  the  marvelous  in  an  unusual  manner,  like  one 
looking  into  a  pit  where  wild  beasts  were  making  prepara- 
tion to  fight.  He  glanced  furtively  around,  searching  for 
something  which  his  son  understood  to  signify  ability 
sufficient  to  maintain  the  journal  contemplated. 

Danderton  continued  : 

"I'll  manage  things.  If  we  need  talent,  there  is  lots  of 
it  coming  in  here  that  can  be  employed  for  trifling  pay. 
The  job  office  in  connection  with  the  paper  will  cover 
expenses  and  give  the  people  an  idea  that  we  own  a  large 
and  important  establishment.  As  for  ourselves  individually, 
I  shall  write  editorials,  while  you  will  be  the  literary  editor, 
confining  your  duties  principally  to  review  notes  on  new 
books  and  rehashing  other  men's  opinions  on  the  subject." 

Hamilton  Hitch  made  no  reply  to  these  extraordinary 
propositions  of  his  son,  but  he  laughed  like  one  tickled  by 
a  combination  of  pain  and  pleasure,  the  echoes  being  so 
unnatural  as  to  startle  even  Danderton  by  their  peculiarity. 

"  You  will  have  to  deal  with  a  class  of  people  that  are 
easily  duped,"  said  the  son.  "As  a  rule,  none  of  them 
will  strike  back  if  you  say  disparaging  things  of  their  works, 
and  you  will  be  sustained  by  the  law  guaranteeing  the  free- 
dom of  the  press. ' ' 

"Ah!  that  is  substantial,"  said  the  father  eagerly,  and 
he  continued : 

"  We  may  squeeze  the  writers  of  books  at  our  pleasure, 
damn  their  works  in  the  eyes  of  the  public,  terrorize  them 
into  bribery,  goad  them  to  commit  breaches  of  the  peace 
or  suicide,  and  yet  be  reckoned  in  line  with  one  of  the 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  23 

great  institutions  of  the  country.  For  me,  this  is  a  glorious 
prospect." 

"  It  is  a  mere  item  in  the  case,"  remarked  Danderton. 

"  There  is  inequality  in  it,"  returned  the  father.  "  Noth- 
ing could  suit  me  better  than  the  control  of  power  over 
persons  who  have  not  the  means  or  the  ways  of  retaliating 
except  they  brave  the  stern  arm  of  the  law,  under  which  we 
shall  be  sheltered." 

"The  privileges,  moreover,  will  bring  you  many  other 
benefits,"  resumed  Danderton.  "Good  writers  will  make 
it  a  point,  on  this  account,  to  praise  you  as  one  capable  of 
leading  in  literature  and  of  promulgating  ideas  tending  to 
secure  the  prosperity  of  the  state  and  nation.  You  shall 
have  eulogies  of  your  genius,  real  or  imaginary,  published 
in  the  state  magazine,  embellished  with  your  portrait,  side 
by  side  with  the  best  people  in  the  West." 

"Danderton!  Danderton!"  exclaimed  the  father, 
trembling  with  excitement,  "  don't  go  too  far,  boy ;  remem- 
ber the  record." 

"You  make  me  tired,"  said  the  young  man  hastily. 
"Some  people  don't  know  what's  good  for  them.  Wait 
until  I  finish.  We  require  neither  a  certificate  of  qualifica- 
tion nor  permit,  license,  or  any  document  guaranteeing 
honest  services  to  the  public  on  our  part.  Even  recom- 
mendations from  qualified  persons  will  be  out  of  place, 
because,  in  a  country  where  it  is  held  that  all  men  are 
equal,  our  claim  to  equality  cannot  be  questioned  to  any 
effect.  Buy  the  outfit  and  cut  away  at  everything  in  sight. 
Time  will  bring  you  fame.  People  shall  talk  of  your 
cleverness  as  something  above  the  average.  Under  the 
spell  imposed  by  terror,  you  can  creep  along  until  even  you 
yourself  will  come  to  believe  that  you  know  something. 


04  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

Attend  public  meetings,  walk  across  the  platform  like  a 
person  making  the  first  movements  of  a  dance,  smile  at  the 
audience,  keep  your  mouth  shut  so  as  to  hide  your  defi- 
ciencies. It  will  then  be  believed  for  sure  you  are  brilliant, 
and  everything  in  politics  will  be  opened  to  your  advances. ' ' 

With  this  forecast  of  a  great  future,  Hamilton  Hitch  was 
not  yet  satisfied.  There  appeared  to  be  an  unsurmountable 
obstacle  lying  directly  in  the  way,  which  his  mind's  eye 
clearly  discerned.  Over  his  pale  features  a  faint  smile 
flitted,  and  his  voice  became  melancholy  in  tone  as  he  said  : 

"  You  are  a  good  boy,  Danderton.  The  hopes  you  have 
inspired  in  me  are  great  and  good,  considering  my  circum- 
stances, but  there  is  one  thing,  my  boy,  you  have  forgot- 
ten. I  cannot  write.  I  could  not  compose  or  dictate  a 
review  to  save  my  life." 

"Is  that  all?  "  queried  the  son,  laughing  loudly  so  as  to 
emphasize  his  merriment.  "Why,  dad,  you  need  not 
write  or  read  anything.  Get  somebody  else  to  do  it  for 
you  until  your  hand  is  in.  Give  your  own  opinions;  no 
matter  how  extravagant  they  be,  they  will  pass.  You  can 
string  a  few  sentences  together  so  indefinite  in  meaning 
that  the  latter  part  may  contradict  the  first,  and  still  be 
accounted  wise !  The  notes  will  be  anonymous.  Become 
a  compiler.  Take  up  the  history  of  men  and  rewrite  them 
in  your  own  way;  it  will  make  you  imagine  you  are  an 
author." 

Hamilton  Hitch  was  silent.  He  sighed  as  he  reflected 
on  some  incidents  of  his  career  which  had  been  enacted 
under  a  false  conception  of  the  world  and  the  methods 
employed  in  human  life  to  delude  the  great,  struggling, 
paying  public.  Then  he  asked  : 

"Is  that  the  way  they  manage,  Danderton  ?  " 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  25 

"  Never  you  mind  what  other  people  do.  It  will  be  our 
way  when  we  come  to  it,"  replied  the  son. 

The  preliminary  discourse  on  prospective  journalism 
having  terminated  in  a  satisfactory  manner  to  both  men, 
Danderton  introduced  another  cardinal  subject,  equally 
interesting,  if  not  far  more  dangerous,  than  the  one  just 
quitted.  In  doing  so,  he  lowered  his  voice  and  glanced 
around  to  see  that  no  strangers  were  in  sight. 

•  "Now,  we  must  get  heeled  better  than  we  have  been 
heretofore."  This  referred  to  weapons  of  defense.  "  You 
must  not  suppose  I'll  scare  up  danger  without  preparing 
to  meet  it,  for  one  never  knows  how  the  temper  of  these 
Western  people  may  be  turned  against  you,  whether  good  or 
bad.  That  ain't  like  me,  I  can  tell  you.  I  have  been 
feeling  my  way  carefully  in  regard  to  our  method  of  defense 
in  case  of  attack,  and  there  is  this  about  it,  revolvers  ain't 
enough,  nor  shotguns." 

"  Daggers?  "  suggested  the  father. 

"  Pshaw  !"  responded  Danderton,  "  these  may  be  good 
enough  on  occasions  when  your  enemy  is  near  and  off  his 
guard,  but  what  I  have  in  view  is  far  above  any  of  the  old 
methods  or  means  of  taking  life,  and  the  beauty  of  it  is  this, 
it's  sure." 

At  this  juncture  the  father  became  eagerly  attentive. 
He  bent  forward,  assuming  a  listening  attitude,  lest  a  word 
even  of  the  discourse  should  escape  him. 

Danderton  continued : 

"With  a  little  more  information,  which  I  can  easily 
obtain,  we  shall  be  in  a  position  to  meet  all  persons  show- 
ing us  a  hostile  front.  Listen  !  Take  it  into  your  head. 
We'll  blow  'em  up." 

"  Blow  'em  up,  Danderton  ! " 


26  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

"Aye." 

"  How,  my  good  boy?  " 

"  Some  new  explosive  recently  discovered.  It  is  said  to 
be  at  least  a  hundred  times  more  powerful  than  gunpowder. 
Of  course,  we  could  do  great  things  with  it ;  we  might 
terrorize  a  whole  community." 

The  father  rubbed  his  hands  with  intense  delight,  while 
his  laugh  became  sharp  like  the  whine  of  an  animal,  so 
much  did  his  personality  submit  to  the  anticipation  of 
controlling  a  great  power. 

Danderton  resumed  : 

"  Speaking  for  myself,  I  know  nothing  outside  of  gun- 
powder, but  there  is  a  man  living  on  the  other  side  of  the 
river  who  gets  the  credit  of  being  able  to  post  me.  I'll 
try  him,  although  not  acquainted,  but  I'll  pay  for  what  I 
get  if  nothing  else  will  do." 

"  Be  cautious,  my  son;  remember  we  are  not  as  free  as 
others." 

"  Now,  pap,"  said  Danderton,  as,  rising  from  his  seat,  he 
began  pacing  the  floor  of  the  apartment  like  one  suffering 
from  some  intense  feeling,  "the  last  question  to  be  dis- 
cussed is  the  greatest.  I  may  fall  in  your  estimation 
according  to  the  way  you  reckon  things  when  you  hear  the 
case,  but  don't  be  hard  on  me.  I  want  to  get  married 
when  our  new  house  is  completed." 

The  elder  man  bent  his  gaze  to  the  floor  with  the 
gravity  peculiar  to  good  men  as  he  answered  : 

"  No  objection,  Danderton,  but  you  need  not  be  told 
twice  it  is  hard  to  choose  a  wife.  I'm  prejudiced  against 
women  in  general ;  I  own  up  to  it  like  a  little  man.  If  you 
fall  in  with  a  handsome  one,  mind  what  I  say,  it  will  lay 
you  out  as  flat  as  a  flounder." 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  27 

"Lay  me  out !  " 

"Yes.  Bung  you  up.  Scotch  you.  Drive  your  manly 
spirit  out  of  your  body  and  bring  the  balance  to  blue 
ruin." 

"Then  I  assure  you,  old  man,  there  is  a  poor  prospect 
in  front  of  me." 

"You  have  located  the  game  already!  "  returned  the 
father,  with  a  forced  laugh. 

"  I  don't  deny  it,  nor  would  you  under  similar  circum- 
stances. The  lady  I  dream  of  is  without  doubt  the  hand- 
somest woman  in  the  territory." 

The  father  groaned,  on  hearing  this  declaration,  like  a 
person  stricken  by  lightning.  His  pale  face  became  white, 
and  his  hands  trembled  while  clutching  at  his  knees  — 
an  effort  made  to  relieve  the  nervous  attack  by  which  he 
was  evidently  afflicted.  He  said,  with  resignation  in  his 
words  and  deportment : 

"Goon." 

"  She  is  there,"  continued  Danderton,  pointing  with  his 
finger  towards  a  residence  in  the  neighborhood  of  the 
cottage. 

"  Here  !  "  said  the  father,  raising  his  hand  in  the  same 
direction.  Danderton  nodded,  signifying  his  assent. 

"  The  daughter  of  our  neighbor?  "  inquired  the  father. 

"  Yes,  dad,  the  same,  and  don't  you  forget  it." 

"  Have  you  been  speaking  to  her?  " 

"  No.     I  went  it  blind  so  far." 

"  Is  it  gone  the  length  that  you  love  the  woman,  Dan- 
derton? " 

"  I  plead  guilty  to  the  charge,  pap." 

"Has  she  encouraged  you?  " 

"  Not  much  ;    not  at  all." 


28  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

"  You  love  her  as  if  she  lived  in  the  clouds.  Have  not 
even  heard  her  tongue  or  know  whether  it  is  mild  or 
clattering." 

"  That  is  about  the  lay  of  it." 

"  My  poor  boy,  you  are  lost !  " 

"Ah,  shucks!"  he  exclaimed.  "What  has  got  into 
you  ?  Won't  things  be  changed  when  they're  changed  ?  " 

Without  noticing  the  force  or  incongruity  of  this 
sentence,  the  father  resumed  : 

"She  is  reckoned  the  best  lady  in  this  section,  while 
you  are  the  worst  scalawag. ' ' 

"I  guess  I  knew  it  years  ago." 

"  She  is  handsome,  but  you  are  out  of  plumb." 

"The  defects  of  my  body  will  only  add  interest  to  my 
suit.  Some  people  like  the  spice  of  ugliness  mixed  up 
with  their  ideas  of  beauty.  Perhaps  she  may  turn  out  to 
be  one  of  that  class.  Men  are  not  always  rejected  on 
account  of  ill  looks." 

"Her  daddy  is  rich,  and  you  have  nothing  except  you 
get  it  from  me." 

"I  can  earn  my  own  living,  if  I  like;  besides,  if  I  get 
her,  I'll  come  in  for  her  money,  anyway." 

"  The  people  would  cry  out  against  the  marriage." 

"  By  what  right,  sir?" 

"  Meddlesomeness,  perhaps. ' ' 

"  They  won't  dare  to,  if  they  know  what's  good  for 
them." 

"  What  makes  you  think  she  would  have  you  ?  Are 
you  crazy?" 

"I'll  take  my  chances,  like  anybody  else.  I'll  tell  you 
one  thing  —  if  she  consented  to  be  my  wife,  I  would 
become  good.  Mark  that.  I'll  follow  her  to  the  ends  of 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  29 

the  earth,  no  matter  where  located.  If  she  desires  it,  I'll 
pray,  throw  money  into  the  poor  box,  help  to  make  col- 
lections for  the  minister,  and  believe  every  word  he  says 
whether  true  or  false." 

"Ah  !  "  exclaimed  Hamilton  Hitch,  with  a  long  drawl, 
speaking  to  vacancy.  "  How  well  I  knew  of  the  curse 
that  follows  a  nice  face  on  a  woman  !  I  could  swear  to  it 
any  time  without  help.  This  misfortune  will  discount  all 
our  projects,  if  there  was  a  million  of  them." 

"  My  sakes !  "  remarked  Danderton,  excitedly.  "I  see 
nothing  in  it  to  call  for  such  opposition  from  you.  I 
imagined  it  would  not  be  wise  to  marry  a  character  like 
myself." 

"Wouldn't  it,  though?  What  else  is  good  for  you? 
Like  should  have  like.  It  don't  need  learning  to  know 
that  much.  I  am  as  much  in  favor  of  your  marrying  as 
the  newspaper  business,  but  I  swear  I  hate  to  see  you  go 
and  make  a  fool  of  yourself  on  account  of  a  handsome 
face.  Don't  you  see  you'll  get  fooled?  " 

Danderton,  whose  pride  was  wounded  by  this  language, 
went  into  a  towering  passion.  He  stormed  through  the 
apartment  in  a  manner  that  precludes  the  possibility  of 
recording  his  words  in  these  pages,  so  terrible  and  obnox- 
ious were  their  significance.  On  the  other  hand,  the 
father  endeavored  to  temper  his  own  fury  by  advice  tend- 
ing to  avert  the  threatened  danger.  Like  an  angry  sea 
under  the  hurricane,  his  sarcastic  bitterness  of  expression 
arose  or  fell  according  to  the  intensity  of  feeling  em- 
bodied in  his  son's  remarks.  Indignant  protestations  of 
the  son  clashed  with  fiery  repartee  from  the  father.  The 
air  became  charged  with  evil  specters,  emanating  from 
the  deathlike  pallor  of  the  men's  faces,  the  fierce  glances, 


30  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

the  distorted  laugh,  and  the  tempestuous  repetition  of  blas- 
phemous words.  The  walls  reverberated  with  the  horror 
of  infamous  affirmation  and  negation.  It  was  a  struggle 
between  two  giant  spirits  whose  souls  had  previously 
been  saturated  with  iniquity,  until  they  were  qualified  to 
be  reckoned  the  followers  of  the  Prince  of  Darkness. 
The  contention  ended  in  favor  of  Danderton,  who  pos- 
itively held  the  position  that  he  was  competent  to  judge 
for  himself,  and  unless  conceded  this  privilege  would  quit 
his  home  and  the  society  of  his  father  forever. 


CHAPTER  III. 

IN  THE  TOILS  OF  LOVE. 

THE  feelings  held  by  Danderton  Hitch  for  his  neigh- 
bor's daughter,  Grace  Finnestare,  resembled  pla- 
tonic  love  in  some  features  only.  The  intensity  of  admira- 
tion and  fascination  was  there  without  the  desire  of  self- 
sacrifice  for  the  loved  object  peculiar  to  the  condition 
when  genuine.  He  loved  her  for  himself,  not  for  herself. 
This  kind  of  affection  becomes  dangerous  under  disappoint- 
ment. Although  living  outside  the  society  in  which  she 
moved,  yet  he  believed  it  possible  to  win  her,  favored  by 
circumstances,  perhaps,  and  time,  two  items  that  so  fre- 
quently and  forcibly  induce  women  to  accept  companion- 
ship otherwise  distasteful  to  them. 

Besides  these  considerations,  however,  he  nurtured  her 
image  in  his  mind  until  he  began  to  be  troubled  with  un- 
rest day  and  night.  A  mysterious  power  seemed  to  have 
entered  his  person,  which  controlled  his  heart,  his  will,  and 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  31 

intellect  without  opposition,  as  if  his  faculties  had  been 
suppressed  or  were  incapable  any  longer  of  independent 
action.  Still,  during  his  reasoning  moments,  while  cogi- 
tating on  the  question  of  his  mental  condition,  he  made  no 
effort  to  institute  a  change  favoring  relief.  This  indicated 
he  was  spellbound. 

In  the  past  he  only  caught  a  sight  of  her  at  long  inter- 
vals, but  now  the  routine  of  his  life  favored  the  sustenance 
of  his  daydream,  for  his  father  had  conceded  the  utility  of 
his  propositions  and  granted  him  full  power  to  launch  into 
public  business  with  all  the  appearances  and  auxiliary  forces 
which  he  could  possibly  employ.  While  superintending 
the  construction  of  their  new  residence,  Finnestare's  place 
was  constantly  in  view.  His  glances  at  the  external  appear- 
ance of  the  domicile  had  a  soothing  effect  on  his  troubled 
imagination  and  brought  a  kind  of  happy  humor  to  the 
surface  of  his  thoughts,  like  men  who  smile  at  their  own 
faces  in  a  mirror,  believing  them  to  be  the  most  perfect 
on  earth. 

Finnestare's  residence  was  only  a  few  hundred  feet  south 
of  his  own,  on  the  opposite,  or  west,  side  of  the  street.  It 
was  a  portly  house,  surrounded  by  rare  shrubs  and  fruit 
trees  where  humming  birds  sometimes  flitted  in  summer; 
and  the  verdure  within  the  boundary  picket  fence,  con- 
trasted with  the  ancient  appearance  of  the  dwelling,  made 
the  scene  exceedingly  attractive.  The  space  occupied  in  the 
manner  here  mentioned  was  only  a  block,  but  to  Dander- 
ton  it  appeared  more  valuable  than  the  whole  of  Omaha. 
Here  in  this  abode  lived  Grace  Finnestare,  whose  beauty 
had  inspired  him,  not  alone  with  love;  but  ambition  to  be 
great,  and  for  whose  sake  he  had  threatened  to  espouse 
righteousness  in  opposition  to  the  will  of  his  father.  It 


32  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

seemed  odd  that  the  old-fashioned  roof  and  faded  walls 
assisted  to  deepen  his  passion  whenever  he  gazed  lovingly 
at  them,  yet  it  was  true.  The  smoke  from  the  chimney 
stack,  as  it  ascended  skyward  on  calm  evenings,  or  bent  to 
the  breeze,  possessed  peculiar  charms  for  his  heart  that 
contributed  to  make  up  the  sum  of  his  affection  or  afflic- 
tion. If  he  could  have  seen  the  atmosphere  even  which 
encompassed  the  situation,  he  would  have  loved  it. 

All  the  details  respecting  the  construction  of  the  Fin- 
nestare  dwelling  were  familiar  to  his  memory,  as  far  as 
could  be  gleaned  from  early  settlers  —  how  Finnestare 
offered  no  opposition  to  the  builder  respecting  the  quaint 
gables  of  his  design  or  the  plain  windows  and  overlapping 
weatherboarding  instead  of  rustic,  so  long  as  the  walls 
would  be  well  braced,  the  studding  of  unusual  strength, 
and  the  spaces  large  so  as  to  provide  an  ample  amount  of 
air  for  the  occupants. 

Under  the  joint  management  of  these  two  improvised 
architects  the  domicile  grew  to  completion  —  a  two-story 
structure  of  twelve  apartments,  angular  and  barn-like ;  and 
when  the  material  of  which  it  was  composed  had  suffered 
deterioration  through  climatic  exposure,  it  looked  far  older 
to  the  mind's  eye  and  the  physical  eye  than  the  actual 
years  of  its  existence  would  determine. 

The  fulness  of  Danderton's  ecstasy,  however,  appeared 
when  occasionally  he  beheld  the  object  of  his  love  at  an 
upper  window  or  among  the  flowers  near  the  house  in  all 
the  glory  of  youth  and  beauty. 

At  the  time  to  which  reference  is  here  made,  Grace 
Finnestare  was  twenty.  Sensible  and  sedate,  her  refine- 
ment sparkled  with  the  vigor  of  a  crystal  fountain.  The 
light-colored  hair,  done  up  in  the  fashion  of  the  American 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  33 

girl  of  the  period,  seemed  to  have  been  burnished  by  a 
sunbeam  in  Nature's  own  hands.  The  face  was  classically 
regular,  of  the  old  Grecian  type  of  comeliness,  with  the 
cheeks  tinted  vermillion  color  and  the  brown  eyes  lumin- 
ous with  luster.  Her  eyelashes  were  long  and  dark,  while 
the  coloring  of  the  eyebrows  harmonized  with  that  of  her 
silky  tresses.  In  stature  she  was  tall  and  graceful,  the  lines 
bounding  the  head,  shoulders,  and  arms  forming  exquisite 
curves,  which,  taken  in  connection  with  the  proportions 
observable  in  the  entire  figure,  made  them  exponents  of 
fascination  far-reaching  in  their  influence  over  susceptible 
hearts. 

The  father,  known  to  the  community  as  Judge  Finnestare, 
was  one  of  the  early  settlers  on  the  Nebraska  side  of  the 
Missouri  River,  who  became  wealthy  as  a  consequence  of 
careful  management  and  wise  investments.  He  was  of 
French  extraction  and  related  to  Laramie,  a  trapper  who  at 
an  early  date  penetrated  to  the  foot  of  the  Rocky  Moun- 
tains and  slew  buffalo  without  assistance  from  his  people  or 
permit  from  the  red  man,  but  was  himself  slain  by  Arapahoe 
Indians  on  the  head  waters  of  the  river  bearing  his  name. 
Finnestare  knew  other  celebrated  men  of  the  plains  — 
Sublette,  Campbell,  Bridger,  Kiplin,  and  Sabille. 

Incidentally  it  may  be  mentioned  that  he  was  not  an 
adept  in  law,  nor  did  he  hold  any  position  during  his  life 
justifying  a  claim  to  the  title  of  judge.  In  fact,  this  hon- 
orable appellation  was  given  him  gratuitously  by  the  people 
to  mark  their  appreciation  of  his  wisdom  and  general  con- 
duct as  a  good  citizen.  As  seen  now,  at  his  introduction, 
he  appeared  to  be  at  least  seventy  years  of  age.  The  white 
hair  and  beard  carefully  tended  were  impressively  remark- 


34  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

able  above  his  blue  clothes,  which  fitted  his  figure  com- 
fortably and  admirably. 

He  was  not  a  large  man,  but  activity  had  made  his  body 
firm  and  healthy.  The  erect  position  assumed  in  former 
years  had  disappeared,  and  in  its  place  there  came  the 
curved  vertebral  column,  attenuated  hands,  and  the  lessen- 
ing of  energy  peculiar  to  old  age.  No  one  could  turn 
away  from  him,  however,  without  noticing  the  pleasing 
expression  overspreading  his  countenance,  or  fail  to  recog- 
nize the  bright  gleam  of  penetrating  intelligence  in  his 
eyes. 

There  was  hope  for  the  world  at  large  while  this  good 
man  and  his  daughter  lived  in  innocence,  and  industriously 
untainted  by  the  example  of  their  neighbors,  and  indeed, 
almost  wholly  ignorant  of  their  character.  Standing  on 
this  ground,  the  one  family  adjoining  the  other,  like  day 
and  night  or  the  calm  appearance  of  a  rock -bound  coast 
before  the  angry  waves,  the  universal  law  above  and  the 
common  law  on  earth  kept  them  separated  and  distinctive. 

Besides  dealing  in  real  estate,  Judge  Finnestare  trans- 
acted a  banking  business.  Originally  a  small  concern  in 
a  downtown  store,  established  as  much  for  the  accomoda- 
tion  of  his  friends  of  the  village  as  an  institution  from 
which  large  personal  gains  might  be  realized,  it  had 
recently  become  so  important  as  a  depository  and  exchange 
that  the  profits  derived  from  it  were  considerable. 

Finnestare's  wife  had  been  dead  many  years,  but  father 
and  daughter,  clinging  closely  to  the  observances  of 
sociability,  good  breeding,  and  respectable  citizenship, 
entertained  the  best  people  in  Omaha.  Their  set  included 
a  large  number  of  pioneer  families,  with  many  of  the 
newcomers,  good,  honest  folk,  having  plenty  of  means, 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  35 

fully  alive  to  the  necessities  of  the  times  and  the  obliga- 
tion of  preserving  straight,  wholesome  law  among  them. 

In  times  past,  when  Danderton  Hitch  sought  low  resorts 
for  entertainment,  society  at  the  Finnestares'  never  troubled 
him  ;  but  when  wealth  crowded  in  upon  his  life,  bringing 
with  it  dreams  of  love,  conquest,  and  future  happiness,  he 
turned  his  attention  to  the  assemblies  of  this  upper 
stratum  of  humanity  with  a  longing  desire  to  be  in  their 
midst.  Then  the  keen  pangs  of  disappointment  smote  him 
to  the  heart,  and  he  felt  how  terrible  it  was  to  be  ostracised 
by  public  opinion.  He  saw  the  visitors  enter  the  Finnes- 
tare  home,  heard  the  laughter  and  the  music  surging 
through  the  windows  day  after  day  and  night  after  night, 
while  he  prowled  around  the  angles  of  the  fence  in  the 
darkness,  like  a  wolf  disturbed  by  some  voracious  fancy. 

Still,  his  hopes  grew  with  time  and  the  new  era,  which 
had  produced  such  abundant  resources  for  him  and  his 
father.  He  became  bold  occasionally  while  viewing  the 
scene  where  his  love  resided,  and  asserted  within  himself 
that,  if  necessary,  he  would  shatter  or  destroy  anything  or 
everything  that  intervened  between  him  and  her.  Yet  he 
made  no  attempt  to  gain  a  formal  introduction  or  procure 
access  to  the  house  on  any  pretense,  calculating,  no  doubt, 
that  the  auspicious  moment  had  not  arrived. 

He  saw  the  old-fashioned  make-up  of  the  Finnestare 
residence  become  like  a  dear  friend  in  his  thoughts,  but  he 
deferred  approaching  nearer  to  it  than  the  fence,  guided 
by  some  mysterious  agent  in  league  with  the  powers  con- 
trolling the  destinies  of  man. 

How  absolute  would  be  his  satisfaction  had  he  beheld 
the  interior,  with  its  cleanliness  and  decorative  append- 
ages, the  cosy  corners  and  easy-chairs,  the  sweet-scented 


36  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

bedrooms,  the  olive  and  buff-colored  walls,  the  dining 
room  with  roses  peeping  in  at  the  windows,  the  pictures 
of  Western  landscapes,  and  the  large  living  room  on  the 
ground  floor  where  society  was  entertained.  Further,  if 
he  had  seen  Grace  Finnestare  at  the  piano,  and  heard  her 
voice  in  the  song,  "  Find  me  a  heart  that  truly  loves,"  he 
would  have  slept  over  it  with  such  ecstacy  as  pervades  the 
individuality  of  a  lion  when  at  rest  among  the  fragrant 
shrubs  of  the  deep  wood. 

Besides  the  persons  and  items  mentioned  in  connection 
with  the  history  of  the  Finnestares,  a  few  others  came 
under  the  notice  of  Danderton,  whose  influence  went  to 
make  up  the  sum  of  his  distress. 

As  Grace  was  an  only  child,  her  father,  with  paternal 
solicitude  for  her  welfare,  employed  a  lady  capable  of  act- 
ing in  the  double  capacity  of  cicerone  and  domestic,  or 
housekeeper.  This  person  proved  to  be  very  efficient, 
trustworthy,  and  honest  in  all  her  dealings.  She  was 
small  in  figure,  with  a  pert-looking  face,  well  shaped, 
neatly  dressed  in  black,  being  a  widow  about  forty  years 
of  age,  and  was  known  by  the  name  of  Madam  Gloriana. 
She  had  lived  with  the  Finnestares  for  years,  and  was 
content.  Quick  in  her  movements,  gifted  with  rare  dis- 
cernment, full  of  exquisite  designs  in  the  management  of 
the  household  affairs,  she  exercised  much  influence  over  all 
persons  of  her  acquaintance.  In  places  where  she  ap- 
peared, consistent  with  her  duties,  order  prevailed.  The 
family  breakfast  table,  with  its  white  cloth  and  glisten- 
ing furniture,  was  delightful  to  behold.  The  perfume 
of  flowers  and  fragrant  leaves  which  pervaded  the  place 
around  it  made  up  a  kind  of  relish  that  created  a  new 
zest  for  the  morning  meal.  Her  superintendence  of  the 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  37 

culinary  department  gave  complete  satisfaction.  Nothing 
escaped  her  critical  eye.  Every  nook,  corner,  and  apart- 
ment in  the  house  also  gave  evidence  of  her  care  and 
watchfulness.  The  glass  in  the  old  windows  resembled 
crystal,  the  carpets  appeared  new,  and  the  woodwork  sent 
forth  a  glow  as  if  it  had  just  come  from  the  hands  of  the 
polisher. 

Madam  Gloriana  seemed  to  possess  the  power  of 
ubiquity.  Hearing  her  voice  in  the  kitchen,  you  turned 
in  the  opposite  direction,  and,  lo,  she  was  in  view.  Enter 
the  parlor,  and  the  rustling  of  a  skirt  indicated  she  was 
near  at  hand.  Raise  a  window  on  the  outside  and  look  into 
the  interior  of  the  house,  her  little  lace  cap  and  white  apron 
blocked  a  part  of  the  perspective.  Try  to  gain  access  to  the 
boudoir  of  Grace  Finnestare,  and  her  cicerone,  with  her 
bright  smile  and  penetrating  glance,  was  encountered  face 
to  face.  Her  voice,  too,  sharp  but  musical,  was  frequently 
heard  directing  the  work  of  the  colored  woman,  the  servant, 
whose  answers  came  in  deep,  guttural  tones  not  unpleas- 
antly to  the  ear,  bringing  with  them  her  version  of  the 
housekeeper's  name,  "Mis'  Goleyann." 

Danderton  soon  recognized  the  importance  of  the  posi- 
tion held  by  Madam  Gloriana.  She  was  mixed  up  in  his 
thoughts  to  such  extent  that  his  glances  at  her,  when  they 
met  in  the  street,  or  now  while  he  was  busy  passing  and 
repassing  to  his  new  house,  indicated  deep  feeling,  if  not 
love. 

She  imagined  she  read  his  heart  aright  through  the  cor- 
ner of  her  eye,  and  wondered  how  it  was  that  her  plain  face 
and  black  dress  could  engage  the  attention  of  this  young 
sport,  whose  instincts  were  supposed  to  be  directed  to 
louder  colors.  Madam  Gloriana,  with  all  her  acuteness  of 


38  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

penetration,  failed  to  solve  the  mystery.  Danderton's  love 
was  merely  reflected  on  her  like  the  manner  of  its  solicitude 
for  the  old  fence  around  the  residence  of  Grace  Finnestare 
or  the  quaint  chimney  stack.  There  was  an  index  of  senti- 
ment and  love  visible  in  his  countenance,  surely,  but  they 
were  of  a  secondary  kind  and  did  not  contemplate  fulfillment 
with  her. 

In  like  manner  he  felt  a  growing  interest  in  the  move- 
ments of  the  colored  woman  above  mentioned,  whose  name 
was  Felice.  Although  opposed  to  the  freedom  of  slaves, 
he  did  not  regard  this  woman's  liberty  in  an  unfavorable 
light,  nor  her  color  even,  which  approached  ebony,  for  the 
matter  of  that.  This  was  one  of  the  good  things  wrought 
by  the  charm  under  which  he  labored,  besides  magnifying 
the  focus  of  his  senses.  What  could  be  more  surprising 
than  that  the  faded  handkerchief,  worn  as  a  turban  around 
her  head,  and  the  straight  skirt,  colorless,  without  flounce 
or  frill,  should  excite  his  admiration  as  much,  perhaps, 
as  if  they  were  select  paintings  from  the  great  masters? 
When  Felice,  who  was  over  fifty  years  of  age,  and  dumpy- 
shaped,  toddled  on  the  road  to  market,  Danderton  viewed 
the  display  of  dust  raised  by  such  action  with  greater  pleas- 
ure than  if  it  contained  gold;  and  when  she  disappeared 
within  the  house  at  her  return,  some  valuable  item  of  satis- 
faction seemed  to  have  deserted  him. 

He  could  not  fathom  the  design  of  nature  in  this  case. 
It  appeared  cruelly  intent  on  foisting  irrational  or  mean- 
ingless factors  into  the  foreground  of  his  imagination, 
where  he  had  calculated  on  seeing  only  one  loved  object. 
Why  could  it  not  stop  at  that  instead  of  contriving  to 
collect  a  host  of  things,  each  of  which  endeavored  to  make 
common  cause  against  his  heart?  It  was  evident  the  bur- 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  39 

den  of  his  cares  grew  heavy  in  proportion  to  the  amount 
of  thought  bestowed  upon  it  and  must  soon  become  insup- 
portable, unless  made  light  by  some  subtle  means  of  relief. 

On  reflection,  he  determined  to  arrange  for  a  consulta- 
tion with  the  man  beyond  the  river,  who  had  been  already 
booked  for  an  interview  on  explosives.  This  person,  reputed 
to  be  an  adept  in  the  knowledge  of  fulminates,  must  know 
how  to  cure  a  shattered  heart,  or  at  least  devise  means  of 
preserving  it  from  total  disintegration.  In  modern  times 
it  was  not  unreasonable  to  connect  the  uncertain  issue  of 
love  in  any  particular  case  with  powder,  dormant  or  active. 
It  would  be  useless,  he  imagined,  to  refer  the  matter  to 
his  father,  whose  sneering  answers  would  do  nothing  but 
aggravate  his  sufferings.  He  knew  young  men  sometimes 
sought  information  on  love  affairs,  and  in  any  case  con- 
sultation had  been  the  method  by  which  he  had  obtained 
most  of  the  knowledge  in  his  possession.  Hence  he  would 
lay  his  heart  open  to  this  man  on  the  same  terms  as  those 
contemplated  for  his  other  scheme. 

Grace  Finnestare  knew  little  or  nothing  of  Danderton's 
pretenses  or  passion  for  her.  She  had  seen  him  scruti- 
nizing the  premises  and  the  inmates  of  it,  herself  included, 
but,  like  the  others,  was  unable  to  determine  his  real 
object.  From  all  that  could  be  gathered  as  evidence  from 
physical  signs,  she  imagined  Madam  Gloriana  might  be 
the  person  desired,  and  from  the  conversation  that  ensued 
one  evening  in  front  of  the  living  room  at  Finnestare's, 
it  would  be  fair  to  conclude  that  the  little  housekeeper 
believed  this  also,  although  not  favoring  it. 

It  was  the  half  hour  before  the  arrival  of  visitors,  when 
Felice,  having  completed  the  labor  of  dish-washing  in  the 
kitchen,  came  through  the  reception  room  to  the  front 


40  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

door  for  the  purpose  of  inhaling  the  evening  air,  always 
fragrant  at  that  point,  and,  seeing  Miss  Grace  and  Madam 
Gloriana  seated  in  a  rustic  chair  in  the  vicinity,  folded 
her  arms  crosswise  on  her  breast  and  tilted  her  head  a  little 
to  one  side  as  preparatory  measures  to  her  taking  part  in 
the  conversation  conducted  by  the  two  ladies  aforesaid  —  a 
privilege  accorded  her  on  all  such  occasions. 

Madam  Gloriana  was  saying  : 

"  Oh,  Mees  Grace,  he  looks  at  me  so,"  referring  to  Dan- 
derton. 

"No  doubt  he  admires  your  petite  form  and  oval  face," 
responded  the  lady. 

"  Ah  !  but  why,  Mees  Grace,  why  should  he?  My  good 
husband  that  is  dead  would  never  believe  I  marry  again. 
Don't  I  show  the  sign?  My  dress  is  black,  and  I  mind  my 
own  affair." 

"It  is  hard  to  understand  men's  likes  and  dislikes.  It 
seems  reasonably  certain  you  are  the  object  of  his  admira- 
tion. You  might  begin  to  wear  second  mourning  as  a 
reminder  to  him  that  you  appreciate  his  taste,"  said  Grace 
Finnestare,  with  a  merry  twinkle  in  her  eye. 

"  Never,  Mees  Grace,  never." 

"He  is  building  a  fine  home  for  somebody,  and  the 
prospect  of  wealth  and  distinction  before  him  is  favor- 
able." 

"  Ah,  ma  dear  child,  you  are  too  young  yet  to  know 
men.  Riches  don't  do  all,  nor  fine  houses.  I  fear  him, 
Mees  Grace,  and  I  would  not  have  you  think  of  him 
either,  on  any  account.  I  fear  him.  He  has  a  wicked 
look  in  his  eye,  and  his  shoulder  is  too  threatening." 

Whatever   ideas   Grace   Finnestare   entertained   of   the 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  41 

variety  of  Danderton's  fancies,  she  made  no  attempt  to  dis- 
close them  at  the  present  discussion. 

Madam  Gloriana  continued,  turning  to  the  Negro 
woman  : 

"Does  Meester  Danderton  Hitch,  that's  building  the 
new  house  out  there,  ever  look  at  you,  Felice?  " 

"I's,  Mis'  Goleyann  !  dis  nigger,  dis  ol'  porpus?" 

"Yes,  Felice." 

"  Lor'  bless  yo'  heart,  no.  Nebber  seed  me,  nohow 
more  nor  a  dead  possum  in  de  canebrake." 

"  Who  is  he  looking  after,  Felice,  when  he  looks  at  the 
house?" 

"Golly!  seed  nobody  with  the  house  in  front  of  him. 
But  now  dat  I's  tinkin',  I  notis'  de  odder  day  dat  he  tuk  a 
mighty  long  look  at  dat  big  basket  I  was  totin'  along,  but 
I  jes'  walked  'long  an'  'peared  like  I  nebber  seed  him,  foh 
our  folks  don't  notis  no  sich  po'  white  trash." 

Madam  Gloriana  looked  at  Grace  significantly,  and 
said  : 

"  You  see,  ma  dear,  even  Felice  understands  the  kind  of 
genteelman  he  is.  I  do  not  know  the  word  you  call  it  in 
English." 

"  Intuitiveness,  perhaps  ?  " 

"Ah,  yes,  ma  dear,  intuiteevness.  She  know  it  by  her 
feelings.  See,  I  will  ask  her.  How  do  you  know,  Felice, 
he  is  not  a  ver'  fine  genteelman  ?  " 

"  How  dis  ol'  F'lice  know  dat,  Mis  Goleyann  ?  Fink  I 
don'  know  quality  when  I  sees  'em?  Bin  too  long  in 
Massa  Finnestare's  fam'ly  not  to  see  de  dif 'rence  'tween 
quality  and  po'  white  trash.  Don't  like  de  way  he  blinks 
his  eyes,  nohow.  Who  you  s'pose  he's  buildin'  dat  big 
house  foh,  Miss  Grace?" 


42  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

"  Why,  for  himself  and  his  father,  I  suppose,  Felice, 
and  perhaps  he  intends  to  get  married." 

"Can't  get  no  lady  round  dese  parts.  Nebber  seed 
him  keep  comp'ny,  nohow.  Wha's  dere  manners  an' 
bringin'  up,  when  dey  sta'es  at  pussons  like  dey  nebber 
seed  high-tone  folks  afore?  Don'  you  tink  dey  shows 
what  dey  is,  Mis'  Goleyann  ?  " 

"Ah,  yes,  Felice,  you  have  the  right  deescernmen'.  I 
have  remark  before,  ma  dear  Mees  Grace,  that  they  have 
not  quite  the  proper  way,  though,  of  course,  we  may  mak'  a 
meestake  about  it,  because  they  are  not  like  our  own  many 
friend  and  acquaintance." 

At  this  time  some  visitors  were  seen  approaching,  and 
the  conversation  ceased. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

THE   UTILITY    OF    PREVARICATION. 

E  man  beyond  the  river,  referred  to  by  Dander  ton 
JL  Hitch  as  a  person  well  qualified  to  render  him 
assistance  in  overcoming  his  present  difficulties,  was  named 
Crow  Whifton,  a  dealer  in  trifles.  His  residence  and 
place  of  business  occupied  an  angle  of  two  crossroads 
where  Council  Bluffs  is  now  situated,  about  four  miles  north- 
east of  Omaha.  The  roads  in  question  came  in  directions 
from  the  southeast  and  northeast  respectively,  having  sev- 
eral tributary  highways  joining  them  in  their  courses,  and, 
after  crossing  at  the  point  here  indicated,  stretched  ob- 
liquely towards  Nebraska,  seeking  the  great  westerly  routes 
on  that  territory. 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  43 

In  selecting  the  situation  Whifton  entertained  a  keen 
perception  of  the  profits  to  be  derived  from  a  traffic  with 
the  people  engaged  in  moving  to  the  West,  usually  dis- 
tracted from  their  habitual  caution  by  the  soothing  influences 
of  new  scenes  or  effervescent  enthusiasm.  As  a  matter  of 
course,  he  did  not  calculate  on  the  realization  of  a  fortune 
or  even  large  profits ;  but,  apart  from  the  amount  that 
might  be  considered  sufficient  gain,  he  entertained  an  in- 
satiable desire  for  that  kind  of  trade  —  a  peddling  and  swap- 
ping propensity  which  he  could  never  overcome.  With 
narrow  views,  his  ambition  had  been  proportionately 
stunted,  nature,  no  doubt,  having  molded  both  attachments 
within  a  diminutive  compass  in  order  to  bring  them  into 
conformity  with  his  physical  structure,  which  was  decidedly 
dwarfish  and  effeminate.  On  this  account,  perhaps,  he 
avoided  the  principal  overland  highway  located  further 
south,  fearing  his  utter  extirpation  should  he  be  found 
anywhere  near  its  gigantic  lines.  Where  twenty  thousand 
people,  including  Russians,  Mormons,  Jews,  and  other 
foreign  and  native  tribes  of  white  men,  as  well  as  hostile 
Indians  frequently  in  pursuit  of  them,  and  inferior  animals 
to  correspond,  passed  in  one  day,  it  was  a  wise  policy  to 
give  such  public  road  a  wide  berth.  If  the  dust  raised  by 
AH  Baba  and  his  forty  thieves,  thought  Whifton,  appeared 
terrible  when  seen  in  the  distance,  what  must  be  the  mag- 
nitude of  the  earthy  commotion  kicked  up  by  these  motley 
crowds  eager  to  breathe  the  invigorating  breezes  of  the 
Pacific  Ocean  ?  Hence,  after  a  full  investigation  of  the 
subject,  he  had  determined  when  leaving  his  native  state 
in  New  England  to  content  himself  with  the  prospect  on 
an  unpretentious  tributary  road,  where  thieves  would  find 


44  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

little  to  sustain  their  occupation  and  party  strife  be  the 
least  possible  feature  of  the  situation. 

Nor  did  he  neglect  to  secure  other  means  of  safety 
afforded  by  the  laws  of  the  state,  after  his  arrival  in  Council 
Bluffs.  He  made  the  acquaintance  of  the  sheriff  of  the 
county,  the  justice  of  the  peace,  the  night  watchman  in 
Omaha,  and  the  constable  at  that  place,  who  carried  nei- 
ther badge  nor  baton  to  distinguish  him  from  an  ordinary 
civilian.  This  was  considerable  backing  for  a  frail,  single 
man  against  the  possibility  of  Indian  raids  or  marauders  of 
the  white  species ;  and,  being  one  of  the  class  of  odd  char- 
acters who  pass  through  great  dangers  unknowingly  and 
are  often  found  in  places  where  brave  men  fear  to  tread,  he 
seemed  to  think,  in  the  present  case,  that  this  spot  was  as 
safe  as  the  shadow  of  the  police  headquarters  in  his  native 
town. 

As  previously  mentioned,  Crow  Whifton  was  a  little 
man.  Lean  in  body,  pigeon-breasted,  with  dark  hair 
and  complexion,  the  conformation  of  the  ridge-like  pro- 
tuberance in  front  being  also  observable  on  the  upper 
part  of  his  mouth,  where  the  two  incisor  teeth  formed 
an  angle  having  the  apex  outward,  as  if  it  had  been 
intended  by  the  powers  concerned  in  his  creation  to  run  a 
small  mountain  range  over  the  entire  median  line  of  the 
body.  The  fashion  of  the  times  gave  tacit  recognition  to 
the  cut  of  his  coat,  a  black  frock  with  long  tails,  pants  and 
vest  to  match;  but  carelessness  and  frontier  life  left  them 
sadly  bespattered  with  grease  spots  and  dust  without  dis- 
turbing the  serenity  of  the  wearer's  mind.  Above  these 
disfigured  habiliments  he  wore  an  uncommonly  large  hat, 
hard  in  the  grain,  round  topped,  and  broad  leaved,  but 
fitting  his  head  comfortably  on  account  of  extra  material 


THE  FIRS T  DEGREE.  45 

placed  inside  the  lining  band  so  as  to  narrow  the  aperture 
to  the  required  size.  His  dainty  feet  were  incased  in  boots 
with  thin  soles,  the  beveled  edges  resembling  those  on 
dancing  shoes  or  turned  pumps ;  but  in  consequence  of 
their  legs  being  nearly  as  wide  as  the  lower  parts  of  his 
pantaloons,  he  was  obliged  to  shake  each  of  them  in  turn 
after  rising  from  a  seat,  in  order  to  force  the  latter  garment 
into  proper  position.  This  he  did  generally  with  a  good- 
humored  smile  on  his  features,  which  made  people  who 
saw  him  imagine  he  had  suddenly  heard  the  sounds  of  dis- 
tant music  and  was  preparing  to  start  off  on  a  Highland 
fling. 

It  was  pleasant  to  meet  him  in  conversation,  on  account 
of  his  agreeable  manner  and  the  quaint  appearance  of  his 
long,  earnest  face,  ready  at  all  times  to  exhibit  a  humorous 
expression.  Though  appearing  solemn  ordinarily,  his 
bursts  of  tittering  laughter  were  quite  frequent,  showing 
the  light  nature  of  his  thoughts  and  the  aptitude  in  him 
for  sudden  transitions  from  the  meditative  to  the  mirthful 
mood.  His  manner  was  also  distinguished  by  another 
peculiarity  worthy  of  notice.  If,  from  any  want  of  power, 
his  jovial  nature  failed  to  assert  itself  at  the  proper  mo- 
ment, he  manufactured  for  the  occasion  what  people  call 
a  forced  laugh,  taking  the  usual  risks  as  to  whether  his 
action  proved  satisfactory  or  otherwise.  It  is  doubtful  in 
which  of  the  two  characters  he  appeared  more  interesting 
—  the  one  while  showing  the  gravity  of  a  rook,  or  the 
other  the  gayety  of  a  sparrow.  His  power  of  mimicry  was 
uncommonly  high,  and  only  needed  cultivation  to  make 
him  a  stage  light  in  the  absence  of  stars. 

The   store   in  which  the  speculative  ingenuity  of  this 
interesting  specimen  of  humanity  found  vent  was  of  primi- 


46  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

tive  design  and  construction,  built  of  rough  lumber,  the 
dimensions  being  about  twelve  by  fifteen  feet  with  an 
apartment  in  the  rear  utilized  as  a  dwelling  place.  This 
inner  circle,  or  rectangular  space,  of  domestic  accommo- 
dation was  no  great  model  of  exquisite  taste  in  regard  to 
furniture  or  art  decorations,  although  something  of  the 
kind  was  attempted  by  the  occupant  with  the  articles  in  his 
possession. 

A  rudely  constructed  bed  stood  in  one  corner,  covered 
by  a  patchwork  comforter,  a  rare  design  showing  in  detail 
the  flags  of  all  nations  in  their  regular  colors.  A  bolster, 
round  and  capacious,  with  ends  protruding  on  each  side, 
resembled  the  nosebag  commonly  used  in  feeding  horses, 
as  if  the  head  accustomed  to  roll  upon  it  during  the  slum- 
bers of  the  night  was  as  large  as  that  of  the  Cardiff  giant 
instead  of  Whifton's  little  cranium.  In  the  center  of  the 
room  appeared  a  small  table,  two  and  a  half  by  four  feet, 
flanked  by  a  couple  of  hard-bottomed  chairs ;  and  near  the 
head  of  it  was  a  stove  calculated  to  accommodate,  in  flush 
times,  a  frying  pan  and  teakettle,  as  well  as  afford  heat  to 
the  entire  establishment  during  the  cold  season,  while  the 
door  between  the  business  and  living  apartments  remained 
open.  The  walls  were  covered  with  clippings  from  news- 
papers, exhibiting  descriptions  of  political  discussions, 
scientific  lectures,  humorous  anecdotes,  accounts  of  execu- 
tions, and  pictures  of  famous  men  or  noted  criminals ;  but 
a  miniature  bust  of  Washington  had  been  placed  on  a 
shelf  in  a  conspicuous  position  so  as  to  convince  the  inci- 
dental visitor,  or,  indeed,  the  world  at  large,  of  Whifton's 
patriotism  and  love  for  the  truly  great  American  household 
god  whom  it  represented. 

Egress  from  the  room  was  attainable  either  by  a  door 


THE  FIRS7^  DEGREE.  47 

leading  into  the  store  or  by  one  on  the  west  side,  and 
light  by  means  of  a  four-paned  window  opposite,  which 
had  coiled  above  it  a  blue  blind  with  a  yellow  tassel.  On 
an  upper  shelf  near  the  ceiling  there  had  been  deposited  a 
collection  of  miscellaneous  articles  for  safe  keeping,  whose 
identity  became  known  only  when  the  owner  took  down 
each  in  turn  to  examine  its  character  and  take  comfort 
from  the  memories  thereby  awakened. 

Like  two  other  houses  in  the  vicinity,  the  gable  of  the 
Whifton  establishment  could  be  readily  seen  from  the 
public  highway,  with  a  sign  bearing  the  legend  "Hard- 
ware and  Notions,"  a  phrase  difficult  to  interpret,  es- 
pecially by  the  foreign  immigrant,  who  had  no  notion 
whatever  of  its  far-reaching  significance.  It  must  have 
appeared  strange,  also,  why  this  man  did  not  offer  his 
wares  for  sale  in  Omaha,  but  they  knew  not  of  Whifton's 
intention  of  taking  the  trade  before  reaching  competition 
at  that  point. 

Besides  an  assortment  of  minor  articles  of  the  character 
indicated  by  his  signboard,  he  carried  a  stock  of  goods 
manufactured  by  the  Indians,  such  as  purses  decorated 
with  colored  beads,  slippers,  workbaskets,  pouches,  and 
other  trifles,  which  travelers  readily  purchased  as  souvenirs 
of  their  journey.  He  had  also  society  badges,  cards, 
dominoes,  prayer  books,  watch  charms,  oraculums,  and 
almanacs. 

Living  here  a  few  years  content  with  his  small  profits, 
the  current  of  his  sober  thoughts  was  suddenly  changed  on 
hearing  in  Omaha  how  it  was  contemplated  sending  a  line 
of  railroad  across  the  continent  through  that  village  and 
that  the  great  western  highway  would  be  discontinued  for 
the  more  expeditious  one  trodden  by  the  iron  horse.  Al- 


48  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

though  fearing  notoriety  and  the  inconveniences  generally 
encountered  in  a  crowd,  he  gradually  became  reconciled 
to  the  prospect  of  this  inevitable  change  and  resolved  to 
await  its  coming  with  all  the  consequences  following  its 
advance. 

When  the  evidence  of  progress,  or  prosperity,  began  to 
appear  on  every  side,  and  the  influx  of  strangers  made 
business  lively,  so  that  even  the  small  coffers  of  the  wayside 
store  became  periodically  full  of  coin,  his  ideas  underwent 
still  further  modifications,  threatening  to  make  him  alto- 
gether a  different  man  from  the  individual'  known  some 
years  before  as  Whifton.  From  being  purse-proud  he 
began  to  entertain  thoughts  of  future  greatness.  Ambition 
was  developed  in  him  simultaneously  with  avarice,  which 
clutched  at  his  soul. 

It  was  noticed  at  this  time  that  he  stood  more  erect  than 
formerly,  puffed  out  his  breast  in  an  elaborate  curve  that 
even  surprised  himself,  and  shook  his  boots  with  the  pride 
of  one  destined  to  reach  a  great  future.  Down  in  the 
depths  of  his  mind  aspirations  nourished  by  a  vivid  imag- 
ination took  root  and  began  to  grow.  He  had  never  held 
a  public  office ;  but  now,  in  this  new  country,  where  the 
light  of  success  had  so  signally  brightened  his  way,  he 
would  move  upward  in  the  social  scale  of  society  and 
make  position  a  stepping-stone  to  permanent  preferment 
and  perhaps  to  distinction.  Gads !  how  he  laughed  at  the 
idea!  In  the  first  place,  he  would  speculate  on  becoming  a 
deputy  sheriff,  and,  after  acquiring  fame  in  that  capacity, 
go  forward  for  county  clerk  or  inspector  of  Indian  reser- 
vations. He  could  inspect  anything  well  enough,  he 
thought. 

Reflections   on   these    important   phases   of  his    future 


THE  S'/A'ST  DEGREE.  49 

career,  however,  were  insignificant  compared  to  one 
standing  nearer  his  heart.  Whenever  he  thought  of  it, 
his  eyes  twinkled  with  peculiar  luster,  a  tinge  of  bloom 
came  into  his  cheeks,  and  he  felt  himself  rise  on  the  tops 
of  his  boots,  as  if  nature  through  forcible  circumstances 
was  persuading  him  to  assume  a  taller  attitude.  Oh  !  how 
secretly  did  he  revolve  that  golden  hallucination  in  his 
mind  during  long,  dreary  hours  alone,  while  the  night  came 
over  the  bluffs  of  Iowa  and  bent  its  ear  to  the  western  sea 
across  the  great  plains  of  Nebraska !  He  was  not  young, 
having  passed  the  meridian  of  thirty-five;  but  many  a 
man  began  the  real  enjoyment  of  life  at  a  much  later  date, 
and  the  hope  of  his  future  acquisitions  strengthened  him 
in  the  belief  of  acquiring  what  he  desired.  No  one 
would  suspect  him  of  folly  or  improvidence,  but,  above 
all,  nobody  imagined  him  in  love,  and  yet  this  was  his 
condition.  He  loved  Judge  Finnestare's  daughter,  of 
Omaha,  on  sight,  without  calculating  the  chances  or  the 
consequences  !  This  was  his  daydream. 

It  was  singular  the  possibility  of  a  refusal  never  entered 
his  mind;  and,  what  was  still  more  surprising,  he  formed 
no  definite  plan  for  the  accomplishment  or  realization  of 
his  wishes  in  this  respect.  He  was  mentally  active,  but 
passive  in  action.  Like  Danderton,  he  loved  the  lady  in 
secret,  but  postponed  the  time  of  declaring  his  passion, 
through  cowardice  or  some  unaccountable  fascination  pe- 
culiar to  cases  of  this  nature.  In  his  loneliness  he  had 
been  comforted  by  the  bright  vision  the  thoughts  of  her 
invoked,  like  a  bankrupt  merchant  who  hopes  to  rectify 
his  financial  embarrassment  sometime,  when  his  ship  comes 
in,  although  having  none  at  sea.  The  ideal  proved  so  ex- 
quisitely endearing  that  it  almost  filled  the  whole  measure 


50  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

of  his  expectations.  It  is  certain  if  the  reality  was  pre- 
sented to  him,  if  Grace  Finnestare  came  to  his  door  with 
a  notification  that  the  minister  was  awaiting  their  presence 
in  church  with  the  view  of  uniting  them  in  the  holy  bonds 
of  matrimony,  he,  Crow  Whifton,  would  beat  a  precipi- 
tate retreat  through  the  back  door  and  abandon  the  country 
altogether,  so  strange  are  the  vagaries  of  nature  in  her 
sweet  moods  on  minds  too  weak  to  carry  the  burden  of 
her  favors. 

One  night  after  closing  the  store,  as  Whifton  sat  in  his 
antique  apartment  meditating  on  the  several  gradations  of 
opulence  through  which  he  was  destined  to  pass  in  the 
future,  some  person  knocked  on  the  side  door  for  admis- 
sion. Believing  it  to  be  an  acquaintance  who  frequently 
came  to  converse  with  him  at  that  hour,  he  promptly  in- 
vited the  visitor  to  come  in.  Responding  to  this  invitation, 
there  stood  in  the  doorway  not  the  neighborly  form  of  his 
friend,  however,  but  the  tall  figure  of  a  man  whose  face 
was  concealed  by  the  collar  of  his  overcoat  and  the  leaf  of 
a  slouched  hat  drawn  closely  over  his  brow,  and  who 
entered  and  seated  himself  without  being  asked,  with  as 
much  deliberation  as  if  the  place  were  his  own. 

In  an  instant  Whifton  concluded  that  the  stranger's 
object,  calling  in  such  guise,  was  robbery,  and  began  to 
sum  up,  with  the  rapidity  peculiar  to  distresseJ  minds  in 
such  cases,  the  several  methods  and  means  of  deiensc*  at 
his  command.  To  begin  with,  his  revolver  was  just  then 
under  the  counter  of  the  store  and  could  not  be  reached 
without  exciting  suspicion  of  his  intention ;  the  cane 
sword  brought  from  the  East  lay  snugly  confined  in  the 
bottom  of  his  trunk  under  the  bed ;  the  butcher  knife 
which  served  for  all  kinds  of  carving  had  been  lent  that 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  51 

afternoon  to  a  neighbor  who  needed  the  implement  for  the 
purpose  of  dressing  a  hog ;  and  his  razor  was  en  the  high 
shelf  and  could  not  be  made  available  without  the  aid  of 
a  stepladder.  Hence,  to  all  intents  and  purposes,  he  was 
at  the  mercy  of  this  intruder,  whose  mien  betokened  un- 
common strength  of  will,  and  who  doubtless  carried  con- 
cealed weapons  for  forcing  obedience  to  his  desires. 

The  newcomer,  observing  the  expression  of  fear  on  Whif- 
ton's  face,  hastened  to  explain  the  nature  of  his  business. 

"  I  want  a  little  information  on  a  few  subjects,"  he  said. 
"People  tell  me  you  are  as  well  posted  in  many  ways 
as  a  scholar,  and  I  thought  I  would  drop  in  and  hear  what 
you  could  do  for  me." 

This  fair  speech  almost  disarmed  Whifton  of  evil 
thoughts  regarding  the  stranger.  He  felt  fla-ttered  on  ac- 
count of  the  confidence  reposed  in  him  as  a  man  of 
knowledge,  which  coincided  exactly  with  his  own  estimate 
of  himself,  yet  the  man's  muffled  face  and  sinister  aspect 
drove  him  back  into  the  first  position  held  respecting  his 
character ;  namely,  that  there  was  danger  associated  with 
his  presence  then  and  there.  He  answered  : 

"It  is  nice  of  you  to  think  so.  I  can  assure  you  the 
people  in  the  East  felt  that  my  coming  in  here  was  a  dead 
loss  to  them.  However,  by  the  bye,  I  thought  I  saw  you 
pass  my  place  a  few  days  ago ;  so  many  are  on  the  move 
now  that  we  cannot  place  them." 

The  stranger  paid  no  attention  to  this  hint  to  reveal 
himself.  He  merely  resumed  the  delivery  of  what  he  in- 
tended saying  in  the  first  place. 

"  I  shall  pay  you  for  your  advice  as  I  would  a  doctor  or 
a  lawyer.  Now,  the  first  question  is  of  a  delicate  nature. 
It  is  this :  how  can  a  man  approach  the  lady  he  loves 


52  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

so  as  to  make  her  understand  the  feelings  he  entertains  for 
her?" 

Whifton's  heart  began  to  palpitate  violently  on  hearing 
this  unexpected  announcement,  for  it  called  up  in  his  own 
mind  exactly  what  he  desired  most  to  know.  However, 
instead  of  making  reply,  he  allowed  the  gravity  of  his 
countenance  to  assert  itself  thoroughly,  and,  assuming  a 
listening  attitude,  waited  the  stranger's  further  interroga- 
tories. 

"Would  it  be  wise  to  send  her  a  deputy?"  asked  the 
stranger. 

"No,  sir;  that  would  give  the  matter  away,"  said  Whif- 
ton.  "Besides,  in  ninety-nine  cases  out  of  a  hundred 
the  deputy  would  make  love  to  her  himself." 

"  Do  you  recommend  saluting  her  in  public  or  winking 
an  eye  at  her  as  she  passes,  so  as  to  have  her  understand 
you  were  up  to  something?  " 

"  By  no  means;  the  boldness  of  such  acting  might  give 
her  the  impression  you  were  a  mere  bummer  without  means 
or  character. " 

"  How  do  you  regard  walking  in  front  of  her  with  a 
manly  swagger?  " 

"  In  a  favorable  light;  although,  if  the  swagger  is  very 
much  put  on,  she  might  believe  you  were  a  fool.  Now 
tell  me,"  continued  Whifton,  "are  you  the  man  in  love?" 

"Yes." 

"  Does  the  lady  of  your  affection  reside  anywhere  in  the 
neighborhood?" 

The  stranger  raised  the  forefinger  of  his  left  hand  and 
pointed  in  the  direction  of  Omaha. 

"Ah!  I  understand,"  said  Whifton,  while  an  unusual 
pallor  overspread  his  countenance  as  if  he  had  been  seized 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  53 

by  a  death  sickness.  "It  is  the  banker's  daughter,  no 
doubt?" 

"You  are  correct,"  replied  the  stranger  promptly,  al- 
though no  name  had  been  mentioned.  Whifton  resumed 
in  a  weak  voice  : 

"  The  Judge?  "  —  to  which  the  other  replied : 

"The  same." 

"  Do  you  meet  her  in  society?  " 

"No." 

"  You  are  not  even  acquaintances  ?  " 

"No." 

"  You  love  her  in  secret,  but  hope  to  get  her  somehow?  " 

"That  is  it." 

Whifton  said  something  to  himself  in  an  undertone,  but 
presently  straightened  up  in  a  cheerful  manner  before 
asking  the  next  question.  Then,  as  he  spoke,  he  bent 
forward  towards  his  companion. 

"  Have  you  a  rival?  "  he  inquired. 

"  I  guess  not,"  answered  the  man  gruffly,  and  he  added  : 
"I  would  not  tolerate  one." 

"You'd  make  it  hot  for  him?" 

"You  bet." 

After  some  reflection  Whifton  said  : 

"  If  I  were  you,  I  would  not  be  afraid  of  the  rival,  but 
of  a  third  man." 

"  There  ain't  no  rival  or  third  man,  I  tell  you,"  answered 
the  stranger  in  an  angry  voice. 

Whifton  raised  his  hand  impressively  as  if  counseling 
peace,  while  he  resumed  : 

"Don't  be  deceived;  there  is  always  a  third  man  in 
such  cases,  a  kind  of  dark  horse  that  gets  in  between  the 
other  two.  It  is  really  so." 


54  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

"  But  where  is  the  second  man?"  inquired  the  stranger 
boldly. 

"  Ah  !  I  suppose  —  I  believe  —  I  think  you  are  right  — 
where  is  he?  "  stammered  Whifton,  unable  to  make  out  a 
clear  sentence  with  his  mind  engaged  in  connecting  his 
own  personality  with  the  second  man. 

"  Hearing  the  case  as  I  have  stated  it,"  said  the  stranger, 
"  what  would  you  advise?  " 

Whifton,  assuming  an  air  of  importance,  as  if  already 
on  the  bench,  answered  : 

"Wait,  be  patient,  do  nothing  to  disturb  the  object  of 
your  love,  and  keep  a  sharp  lookout  for  the  coming  of  the 
third  man.  Mark  my  words,  it  never  fails." 

The  stranger  seemed  inclined  to  regard  this  decision  as 
a  joke,  for  he  laughed  incredulously,  like  one  making  a 
virtue  of  necessity,  and  then  began  the  introduction  of  his 
second  subject. 

"You  understand  how  to  mix  substances  in  order  to 
produce  a  combination  that  will  explode?  " 

"I  did  know  something  of  the  kind/'  said  Whifton 
evasively,  "but  I  don't  think  I  do  now." 

On  hearing  this,  the  mirth  of  the  strange  guest  acquired 
a  mocking  tone  such  as  smote  his  companion's  heart  with 
dread ;  and  Whifton,  following,  executed  some  sounds  of 
forced  merriment  that  were  palpably  at  variance  with  the 
genuine  article. 

"I  have  heard  of  your  pleasant  manner,  too,"  con- 
tinued the  man.  "It  is  handy,  somehow,  when  a  fellow 
ain't  in  a  hurry ;  but  take  a  friend's  advice — don't  trifle  with 
me.  When  I  want  a  thing,  I  want  it  sure." 

This  language  changed  the  aspect  of  the  subject  under 
discussion  at  once.  Whifton  saw  he  must  give  the  infor- 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  55 

mation  desired  or  suffer  the  consequences  of  refusal,  and 
he  thought  an  instant  on  all  that  such  knowledge  involved. 
His  reflections  astounded  him ;  for  if  Grace  Finnestare 
refused  the  man,  as,  of  course,  she  would,  he  might  be 
driven  to  commit  some  fearful  act  of  violence.  In  the 
dilemma  here  presented,  Whifton  called  to  mind  an  advice 
given  by  his  grandfather  in  early  life  which  was  worthy  of 
trial.  "My  boy,"  said  he,  "whenever  you  find  yourself 
in  a  tight  place,  prevaricate,  and  never  mind  what  people 
say  to  the  contrary."  With  this  purpose  in  view  the  little 
storekeeper  answered,  assuming  a  serious  countenance  : 

"Oh!  of  course,  we'll  talk  it  over  among  ourselves. 
Isn't  gunpowder  lively  enough  for  you?" 

The  last  sentence  finished  with  a  laugh,  but  the  stranger 
did  not  seem  to  have  been  moved  in  a  similar  manner ;  he 
replied : 

"It  ain't  strong  enough.  People  know  it  on  sight. 
It's  hard  to  carry  around,  and  to  blow  it  off  requires  a 
lighted  fuse,  or,  if  in  a  weapon,  a  percussion  cap.  I'm  in 
search  of  something  a  small  quantity  of  which  would  rip 
a  brick  or  stone  building  from  garret  to  cellar  in  an  in- 
stant. ' ' 

As  if  this  had  been  the  most  pleasing  announcement 
imaginable,  Whifton  tittered  in  his  usual  style  ;  then  sud- 
denly turning  grave,  answered : 

"  You're  in  the  business?  " 

"If  I  am,  it's  no  business  of  yours." 

"Quite  right.  It  is  really  so;  but  such  an  article  as 
you  describe  is  not  on  the  market." 

"  Is  not  the  method  of  making  it,  known  ?  " 

"Yes — no,"  replied  Whifton  hesitatingly.  "I  don't 
understand  what  you  want  or  have  reference  to." 


56  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

"Look  here,"  said  the  stranger,  "I'll  give  fifty  dollars 
for  the  way  to  manage  the  best  kind  of  stuff  there  is.  Now 
be  quick." 

"It  is  the  easiest  thing  in  the  world  to  tell  you  how  to 
prepare  gun  cotton,"  answered  the  other,  "  but  you  would 
find  it  unsatisfactory.  The  same  ingredients,  two  acids 
mixed,  with  glycerin  added,  give  us  a  powerful  agent 
such  as  you  need,  named  nitroglycerin.  Mind  you,  this 
fact  is  known  only  to  a  few  persons  outside  the  discoverer, 
an  Italian  of  Turin.  It  would  not  be  safe  for  you  to 
attempt  making  it,  even  if  you  knew  how ;  you  would  be 
blown  sky-high  in  no  time,  because  the  least  irregularity 
would  cause  the  explosion  to  take  place.  There  is  another 
preparation  made  from  the  one  just  mentioned,  the  great- 
est of  all,  called  dynamite.  That's  the  daisy  !  The  only 
chance  of  getting  it  would  be  this :  I  might  send  to  the 
discoverer  for  a  small  quantity  and  offer  him  large  pay 
with  the  prospect  of  being  refused  —  or,  by  the  bye,  how 
would  a  mixture  of  a  bursting  character  prepared  from 
druggists'  chemicals  suit  you  ? ' ' 

"I'm  in  for  it,"  answered  the  stranger  with  alacrity. 

"It  is  innocent-looking,  a  white  powder  no  one  would 
suspect  dangerous." 

The  unwelcome  visitor  drew  a  notebook  from  his  coat 
pocket  and  made  preparation  to  write  down  the  items  of 
the  important  mixture. 

"  I  shall  take  that  one,"  he  said  hurriedly  and  decisively. 

Whifton  now  felt  he  had  gone  a  little  too  far  in  permit- 
ting the  stranger  to  determine  on  selecting  a  definite 
article  or  compound.  He  parried  the  thrust  with  as  much 
adroitness  as  possible  by  saying : 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  57 

"  I  did  not  intend  mentioning  I  knew  the  parts  of  it; 
and  the  truth  is,  I  forget  all  about  them." 

The  stranger  moved  uneasily  in  his  seat  like  one  whose 
mind  is  suddenly  disturbed.  Opening  the  notebook  and 
touching  a  page  with  the  pencil,  he  continued : 

"Go  on,  my  little  man.  Let  me  not  try  to  assist  your 
memory  by  force,  for  if  I  do  you  will  think  there  are 
sparks  of  fire  flying  around  the  room  in  short  order.  No 
more  fooling." 

"What  I  said  is  the  best  that  can  be  done  at  present," 
returned  Whifton. 

Then  the  stranger  grew  wrathful.  Striking  the  table 
with  his  closed  hand,  he  shouted  rather  than  said : 

"Go  on,  I  say." 

Whifton  turned  pale.  He  began  trembling^  and  for  an 
instant  directed  his  thoughts  to  his  weapons  of  defense; 
but  was  obliged  to  conclude  that,  even  if  they  were  avail- 
able, it  would  be  useless  to  contend  against  so  powerful 
an  antagonist  as  this  mysterious  man.  Hence,  although 
determined  to  resist  the  disclosure  to  the  last  and  doubtful 
how  he  could  evade  it,  he  began  the  enumeration  of  the 
items  of  the  secret  mixture. 

"  Take  yellow  prussiate  of  potash,  dried  in  iron  ladle 
and  powdered  carefully  in  a  mortar,  thirty-seven  parts ; 
chlorate  of  potash,  finely  pulverized,  forty-one  parts. 
Now,"  he  continued,  placing  the  forefinger  of  his  right 
hand  against  the  side  of  his  head  as  if  desirous  of  conjuring 
up  lucidity  of  mind  in  the  case  before  him,  "  let  me  see, 
what  is  the  third  chemical?  Aye,  there's  the  stickler. 
Who  would  think  I  could  forget  so  soon  ?  It  is  really  so ; 
I  have  forgotten  it." 

The  stranger,  who  had  written   in   his  notebook  the 


58  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

ingredients  mentioned  by  Whifton,  arose  to  his  feet,  and, 
seizing  his  companion  by  the  shoulder,  shook  him  until  his 
little  head  oscillated  like  the  pendulum  of  a  clock.  After 
being  released  from  the  iron  grasp  of  the  stranger,  Whifton 
managed  to  say : 

"  You  will  pay  dearly  for  this  outrage;  see  if  you  don't." 
"  Make  no  threats  to  me,  my  little   man  ;    the  business 
must  be  completed  now,  or  I  ain't  nobody." 

"I  am  not  a  professor,"  resumed  Whifton  in  despera- 
tion. "The  people  who  make  out  that  I  know  all  about 
explosives  have  no  grounds  for  their  belief.  It  is  mere 
hearsay.  I  may  tellyou  in  confidence  that  I  got  the  whole 
thing,  such  as  it  is,  from  a  crank,  one  of  those  so-called 
revolutionary  spirits  who  calculate  on  reducing  the  world 
to  ashes  just  for  fun.  Accidentally  some  of  his  notes  fell 
into  my  hands.  While  he  was  in  prison,  his  trunk  was  held 
by  my  folks  in  part  payment  for  his  board  bill.  On  open- 
ing it,  ma  found  a  few  old  clothes,  a  number  of  newspapers, 
and  a  manuscript.  Disappointed  in  her  expectations,  she 
dumped  the  whole  collection  into  the  ash  barrel,  from 
which  I  extracted  the  last-named  article,  being  curious  to 
understand  what  such  a  man  had  collected  or  written." 

"Have  you  that  document  now?  "  inquired  the  stran- 
ger, eagerly. 

"  Well,"  answered  Whifton,  "I  had  it  then." 
"Ah!  my  little  trickster?"  returned  the  unknown, 
" you're  very  smart,  ain't  you?  I'll  bet  a  nickel  I  could 
find  it  if  I  tried  hard  enough.  Now,  get  that  document 
for  me,  and  we'll  call  it  square.  I'll  pay  for  it.  More- 
over, I  may  say  the  crank,  as  you  call  him,  is  the  kind  of 
man  I  wish  to  follow.  I'll  take  up  his  work  and  push  it 
through  for  all  it's  worth;  so  be  lively." 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  59 

"  I  cannot  say  actually  that  I  have  it,"  said  Whifton, 
"but  I'll  tell  you  what  can  be  done :  wait  until  tomorrow, 
and  in  the  meantime  I'll  try  and  find  it  among  my 
papers. ' ' 

The  man  laughed  in  derision  at  this  proposition.  The 
acknowledgment  made  in  his  presence  that  there  was  secret 
information  of  great  value  in  the  house,  of  the  kind  for 
which  his  soul  had  yearned  for  years,  roused  up  the  latent 
ferocity  of  his  nature  and  urged  him  to  the  commission  of 
a  desperate  deed.  With  his  left  hand  he  caught  Whifton 
by  the  throat,  and,  drawing  a  keen-pointed  dagger  from  his 
waist  belt,  held  it  high  above  him,  saying  as  he  did  so: 

"  Now  or  never.  I  cannot  trust  you.  Give  up  the 
papers  or  your  life  !  ' ' 

Then  the  little  man  felt  that  the  end  was  near.  He 
breathed  hard,  rolled  his  eyes  upward  and  muttered  some- 
thing that  might  be  mistaken  for  a  prayer,  if  it  had  not 
been  for  the  word  prevaricate,  which  was  quite  audible  and 
of  doubtful  orthodoxy.  Before  the  dagger  descended,  the 
arm  of  the  man  who  held  it  was  clutched  by  a  strange 
hand,  and  pushed  violently  backward.  Then  a  dark  figure 
insinuated  itself  between  the  assailant  and  assailed,  while  a 
low,  guttural  voice  exclaimed  : 

"Ah!  what  foolhardy  trick  is  this?  Didn't  I  tell  you 
never  attempt  injury  to  the  helpless?  There  ain't  no  good 
in  my  rules,  anyhow.  Now,  don't  tempt  me  too  far.  Get 
out  of  here." 

As  Whifton's  disagreeable  customer  stepped  through  the 
door,  his  companion,  the  new  arrival,  who  was  also  dis- 
guised, turning  to  the  storekeeper,  said  : 

"Don't  take  any  notice  of  him;    he  has  a  shingle  off. 


60  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

We  have  to  keep  him  out  of  mischief,  but  he  would  not 
harm  anybody." 

Whifton  raised  a  finger  and  shook  it  in  a  threatening 
manner,  which  was  understood  to  mean  that  he  would  pros- 
ecute the  offender  to  the  full  extent  of  the  law. 

"  We  can  compromise  here,  now,"  returned  the  man,  at 
the  same  time  throwing  off  his  disguise  and  revealing  the 
pale  face  of  Hamilton  Hitch  to  Whifton. 

"As  there  has  been  no  injury  done  to  you  or  your  prop- 
erty, the  affair  may  be  kept  secret.  He  is  my  son.  Now, 
here  is  twenty  dollars  as  compensation  for  intruding  on 
your  premises,  with  the  understanding  that  the  case  is 
settled.  Do  you  consent  ?" 

Whifton,  who  was  gifted  with  good  business  talent, 
readily  caught  the  gist  of  the  proposition  made  by  the 
father,  that  the  attempted  outrage  by  the  son  should  be  kept 
secret  for  the  consideration  of  twenty  dollars.  Hence  his 
answer  was  promptly  given  : 

"  Never  you  mind.  There  will  be  nothing  said  of  the 
encounter.  You're  a  gentleman,  and  a  bargain  is  a  bar- 
gain," said  he. 

Then  Hamilton  Hitch  turned  and  fled  into  the  night. 

When  the  noise  of  the  retreating  footsteps  ceased,  Whif- 
ton arose,  and,  carefully  bolting  all  the  doors  and  windows, 
drew  his  couch  out  some  distance  from  the  wall,  lest  any 
sharp  instrument  should  be  designedly  pushed  through  it 
with  an  evil  intention ;  and  prepared  to  rest  under  the 
clothing,  and,  if  possible,  under  the  circumstances.  For 
hours  he  slept  not.  The  peculiar  expression  on  the  feat- 
ures he  had  last  seen  haunted  his  mental  vision  Distressed 
resignation,  mingled  with  ferocity  and  far-reaching  knowl- 
edge of  unlawful  designs,  were  there,  besides  the  traces  of 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  61 

time's  unrelenting  decadence  tinctured  by  melancholy. 
He  had  seen  the  man  frequently  in  Omaha,  but  had  heard 
nothing  of  his  history  or  calling.  Even  now  he  believed 
him  a  citizen  trying  to  do  good  under  adverse  marks  and 
incidents  of  nature  for  which  he  was  not  responsible. 
Shortly  after  reaching  this  conclusion,  Whifton  slept. 


CHAPTER  V. 

A   PREDICTION   VERIFIED. 

E5T  the  visitors  of  the  previous  night  should  return 
and  demand  the  money  given  him  on  the  occasion 
mentioned  in  the  last  chapter,  Whifton  determined  on 
adding  it  to  his  cash  deposit  in  the  bank  at  Omaha  without 
delay.  The  business  principle  represented  by  savings  was 
wisely  observed  by  him,  whatever  might  be  said  of  his 
want  of  judgment  in  other  respects.  In  connection  with 
this  frugal  practice  he  made  it  a  rule  to  remove  the  money 
in  the  house  or  on  his  person  to  a  place  of  greater  safety 
when  the  sum  of  his  gains  went  over  twenty  dollars.  The 
amount  reserved  for  exchange  purposes,  some  fractional 
currency,  if  seized  forcibly,  or  stolen,  could  not  be  re- 
garded as  much  loss.  Under  these  arrangements  he  often 
surprised  people  by  his  fearless  light-heartedness.  With 
his  money  safe,  his  spirit  was  enabled  to  float  above  the 
common  circumstances  of  life,  like  a  cork  on  the  surface  of 
water  or  a  bird  seeking  extra  delight  in  the  brightness  of 
the  morning  air.  It  was  a  little  method,  but  its  results 
were  incalculable  for  good  to  the  individual  practicing  it. 

The    facilities  available   for  reaching   the  commercial 
center  of  the  district  were  ample,  several  stages  passing  his 


62  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

place  daily,  besides  other  vehicles  at  longer  intervals 
driven  by  men  of  his  acquaintance  who  would  gladly  give 
him  a  ride  for  the  sake  of  his  good  company.  Hence, 
after  a  light  breakfast  of  crushed  maize,  coffee,  and  pan- 
cakes, he  posted  the  ambiguous  sign  on  the  door/'  Will  be 
back,"  and  rode  off  to  Omaha  on  the  first  up  stage. 

While  his  face  exhibited  traces  of  excitement,  no  one 
heard  him  utter  a  word  during  the  journey,  for  he  avoided 
the  box  seat  and  merely  nodded  to  a  few  passengers  in 
front  of  him.  The  debate  with  himself  on  the  pending 
question  carried  forward  from  last  night  was  too  absorbing 
personally  to  admit  of  rehearsal  before  any  audience,  how- 
ever sympathetic  it  might  prove  to  be.  The  little  man 
with  his  inflated  breast  and  grandiloquent  estimate  of 
himself  had  a  huge  subject  to  deal  with,  and  he  felt  its  im- 
portance. The  ground  broken  in  the  case,  metaphorically 
speaking,  was  too  ticklish,  he  thought,  for  ordinary  banter, 
but  required  the  most  careful  analysis  on  his  own  part 
before  being  carried  under  the  attention  of  strangers  or 
acquaintances.  It  was  evident  if  his  side  of  the  compact 
were  not  honestly  observed  by  absolute  silence  the  dark 
strangers  could  retaliate  at  any  time,  when  it  was  certain 
he  would  fare  worse  than  before.  The  vindication  of  the 
law  might  be  a  good  thing,  but  the  saving  of  his  life 
seemed  to  him  better.  Hence,  whatever  resolutions  he 
had  previously  formed  of  consulting  the  sheriff  in  that  part 
of  Iowa  or  the  authorities  in  Omaha,  in  view  of  the  dan- 
gerous tendency  of  the  times  were  now  set  aside  so  as  to 
keep  within  the  bounds  of  prudence  and  agreement. 

Besides,  he  was  a  winner.  The  gold  piece  in  his  pocket 
was  testimony  of  that  fact,  as  well  as  that  the  secrets  con- 
cerning explosives  were  still  unrevealed.  Furthermore,  he 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  63 

had  discovered  an  admirer  of  Grace  Finnestare — a  danger- 
ous character,  no  doubt,  seeing  the  nature  of  his  designs  — 
and  he  had  scored  a  great  point  in  recommending  that  the 
stranger  should  not  do  anything  tending  to  interfere  with 
her  freedom  or  prosperity.  Instead  of  being  cold  in  his 
coffin,  as  any  other  man  would  be  in  similar  circumstances, 
he,  Whifton,  had  received  a  handsome  compensation  and 
was  guaranteed  immunity  from  further  assault.  Menaced 
on  the  one  hand,  he  was  raised  to  the  height  of  exultation 
on  the  other.  To  what  power  or  condition  might  he 
ascribe  such  fortune  ?  Plainly  to  no  other  than  the  golden 
rule  of  his  grandfather  in  regard  to  the  utility  of  prevarica- 
tion. When  Whifton  reached  this  conclusion,  he  chuckled 
so  violently  that  his  hat  was  almost  shaken  off  his  head ; 
but,  owing  to  the  lurching  of  the  stage,  the  phenomenon 
passed  unnoticed. 

Arriving  in  Omaha,  he  directed  his  steps  to  the  bank,  a 
one-story  wooden  structure  in  the  northern  part  of  the 
principal  street,  conducted,  as  before  remarked,  by  Judge 
Finnestare.  In  a -pleasant  manner  he  stepped  daintily  on 
the  threshold  and  looked  in.  He  stopped.  He  opened 
his  mouth  in  wonder  at  what  he  beheld.  The  two  large 
safes  were  there  as  formerly,  the  polished  counter,  the  plain 
walls,  and  the  low  ceiling ;  but  in  the  apartment  adjoining 
the  bank  and  opening  into  it  as  if  intending  to  be  an 
inner  sanctum,  he  saw  a  young  man  of  comely  appearance 
chatting  gaily  if  not  lovingly  to  Grace  Finnestare. 

This  appearance,  meeting  him  without  premeditation, 
smote  his  heart  like  a  concussion  of  atmospheric  air  after 
an  explosion.  Whifton  seemed  chained  to  the  spot  on 
which  he  stood.  In  his  earnest  gaze  at  the  lady  he  secretly 
loved,  there  was  a  troubled  aspect.  It  appeared  as  if  he 


64  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

saw  death  incarnate,  instead  of  beauty.  His  prediction 
of  yesterday  was  verified  today.  The  third  man  was  here. 
He  had  come  even  precipitately,  like  a  sudden  squall  that 
drives  ships  to  refuge,  or  a  cyclone  which  buries  towns  in 
the  dust.  Oh  !  why  did  he  not  consider  this  phase  of  the 
case  for  his  poor  heart,  or  why  did  he  foolishly  imagine 
that  Grace  Finnestare  would  remain  isolated  from  the 
companionship  of  gentlemen  on  his  account  and  she  ig- 
norant of  his  feelings  or  his  love  ? 

Seated  near  the  window,  where  her  smiles  fell  upon  him 
simultaneously  with  the  sunlight,  was  the  person  whose 
presence  aroused  all  the  grief  and  the  surprise  in  Whif- 
ton's  mind.  Judged  without  prejudice,  he  was  a  noble- 
looking  man,  the  equal  of  Grace  Finnestare  in  appearance 
and  education.  To  say  that  he  was  handsome  would 
merely  record  the  fact  without  explicitly  defining  the 
circumstances.  There  was  a  look  of  sterling  worth  in  the 
clearness  of  his  eyes  and  the  broad,  manly  features  of  his 
face,  as  well  as  a  firmness  of  purpose  in  the  poise  of  the 
head  that  could  not  be  misapprehended:  The  thorax,  or 
breast,  was  fully  developed,  showing  muscular  power  and 
force  in  action.  The  lower  limbs  tapered  gracefully  down- 
ward, and  the  extremities,  upper  and  lower,  were  exqui- 
sitely proportioned  to  the  size  of  the  man.  In  his  slippers 
he  must  have  stood  over  six  feet.  His  hair  was  black,  but 
the  complexion  appeared  remarkably  fair,  illuminated  as  it 
was  with  lustrous  brown  eyes  and  occasionally  a  genial 
smile.  He  was  dressed  in  plain  clothes,  whose  neatness 
and  cut  gave  ample  opportunity  to  exhibit  his  admirable 
developments  of  person  to  advantage  without  being  in  the 
least  degree  obtrusive. 

In  all  that  Whifton  saw,  he  read  the  death  knell  of  his 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  65 

plans  and  hopes.  If  there  were  further  evidence  neces- 
sary, their  animated  conversation  in  his  hearing  was  suffi- 
cient proof.  How  glibly  they  spoke  and  laughed  !  — as  if 
there  were  no  world  outside  the  apartment  where  they 
met,  or  an  individual  with  a  consciousness  half  paralyzed 
with  pain,  whose  aspirations,  after  a  blissful  state,  had  gone 
down  forever. 

Advancing  mechanically  to  the  interior  of  the  bank, 
Whifton,  while  placing  his  twenty  dollars  on  the  counter, 
was  greeted  in  a  kindly  manner  by  Judge  Finnestare,  ques- 
tioned about  his  health  (for  he  looked  poorly),  and  en- 
couraged to  prosecute  his  business  operations  further,  as 
wealth  was  sure  to  come  with  the  growth  of  enterprise. 

"I  often  wondered,"  said  the  Judge,  "  why  you  did  not 
come  to  Omaha  and  bring  your  business  with  you,  imagin- 
ing you  could  do  better  here  than  at  the  crossroads  on  the 
other  side;  but  as  often  have  I  desisted  from  mentioning 
the  matter,  on  account  of  noticing  how  well  you  do  in  your 
present  location.  Now,  for  instance,  your  deposit  today, 
coming  so  soon  after  the  one  at  the  close  of  last  month, 
shows  conclusively  that  my  opinions  on  the  subject  of  re- 
moval were  not  well  founded  ;  or  else  that  credit  is  due  to 
your  superior  management  in  a  situation  where  few  men 
would  be  able  to  make  money." 

As  a  matter  of  course,  Judge  Finnestare  had  not  the 
least  suspicion  or  idea  how  Whifton  came  by  the  last 
twenty  dollars ;  and,  in  any  case,  our  little  trader  heard 
but  a  moiety  of  the  speech.  The  sounds  of  voices  were  in 
his  ears  that  smote  his  spirit  like  a  two-edged  sword.  His 
mind  wandered  to  other  scenes,  endeavoring,  no  doubt,  to 
find  one  that  might  afford  him  some  relief  in  the  present 
distress.  The  vision  of  his  strange  visitors  also  came  up 


66  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

as  if  to  direct  the  character  of  his  answer,  and  with  it  the 
word  prevaricate;  yet,  rousing  himself  by  an  effort,  he 
merely  said  :  "  It  is  really  so,  Judge,  it  is  really  so."  Then 
he  turned  and  left  the  place. 

Whifton  was  desirous  of  meeting  his  friend  Flanks 
Honeybone,  the  night  watchman,  so  as  to  glean  from  him 
the  truth  regarding  the  new  acquaintance  of  Grace  Finnes- 
tare,  whose  presence  gave  him  so  much  uneasiness  and 
proved  to  be  a  most  disquieting  indication  of  future 
trouble.  Turning  suddenly  to  the  right,  he  noticed  a  man 
standing  near  the  door,  who,  though  busied  with  a  note- 
book and  pencil,  could  have  heard  what  he,  Whifton,  had 
said  in  the  bank  without  being  suspected  of  listening.  As 
his  secret  was  as  secure  as  the  money,  he  rather  felt  a  pride 
in  saluting  this  man,  who  was  no  other  than  the  notorious 
Hamilton  Hitch. 

Seeing  Whifton  enter  the  town,  he  had  pursued  him  to 
ascertain  if  he  would  or  would  not  betray  him  and  his  son 
while  placing  the  bribe  in  a  place  of  safety.  As  the  con- 
duct of  Whifton  proved  satisfactory,  Hamilton  Hitch  re- 
turned his  salute  and  added  the  usual  compliments  of  the 
season  in  appropriate  language.  Whifton  said  to  himself 
as  he  directed  his  steps  downtown  :  "  Somehow  I  have 
a  liking  for  that  man.  I  think  him  very  honorable,  and 
feel  sure  he  would  make  a  reliable  commissioner  or  superior 
judge.  He  is  very  considerate." 

Although  obliged  to  witness  vast  improvements  in 
Omaha,  some  little  attention  was  paid  to  them  on  this 
occasion,  until  the  meeting  with  Honeybone,  which  took 
place  about  two  o'clock  in  the  afternoon.  At  that  hour 
the  night  watchman  was  accustomed  to  step  jauntily  from 
the  door  of  a  cheap  boarding  house,  where  he  roomed  and 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  67 

boarded,  in  the  southern  end  of  town,  and,  seeking  the 
main  thoroughfare,  parade  its  entire  length  in  holiday  at- 
tire for  the  purpose  of  showing  his  patrons  what  a  live 
man  he  was  at  that  time  of  day.  This  movement  in  view 
of  an  appreciative  public  he  called  "  taking  a  spin." 

Honeybone  was  a  man  over  thirty,  tall  and  muscular; 
fond  of  rich  food,  and,  in  consequence,  possessed  a  fair- 
sized  paunch ;  good-natured  to  a  fault,  and  jolly ;  ready 
and  willing  to  give  and  take  a  glass  of  liquor  from  a  friend 
as  exchange  blows  with  an  enemy ;  and  spending  his 
money  with  a  lavish  hand  to  the  extent  of  his  earnings. 
When  you  saw  him  on  exhibition  in  the  afternoon  of  a 
pleasant  day,  the  most  of  all  his  possessions  were  also  in 
view.  His  clothing  was  of  the  finest  material  and  latest 
style;  the  Derby  hat  was  tilted  a  little  on  one  side  of  his 
head ;  his  boots  were  highly  polished ;  he  wore  a  seven- 
dollar  ring  on  the  little  finger  of  his  left  hand,  and  a  brace 
of  pistols  in  his  hip  pockets,  comfortably  and  carefully 
adjusted.  One  could  see  in  his  mien  self-gratification  and 
glorification  such  as  has  rarely  been  detected  associated 
with  the  man  of  wealth.  Some  of  his  peculiarities  seemed 
suited  to  his  independent  character.  He  would  step  across 
the  street,  for  instance,  before  reaching  the  regular  cross- 
ing, and  abbreviate  words  in  his  speech  for  the  purpose  of 
making  it  agreeable,  believing  in  each  case  that  the  shortest 
way  was  generally  the  straightest. 

The  greeting  extended  to  Whifton  on  the  present  occa- 
sion was  a  genuine  outburst  of  pleasure  on  Honeybone's 
part. 

"Whif,  my  old  friend,"  he  said,  "glad  to  meet  you. 
How  is  biz?  Hain't  seen  you  in  a  dog's  age.  Guess  you've 


68  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

been  skylarking  with  the  girls  at  the  crossroads.  Ain't 
you  spliced  yet?  " 

Whifton  did  not  attempt  to  answer  these  questions  cate- 
gorically or  otherwise.  Raising  his  forefinger  to  the  middle 
of  Honeybone's  breast,  and  crooking  it  a  little  as  if  about 
to  seize  one  of  the  buttons  of  his  coat,  he  said  : 

"  I  want  to  have  a  talk  with  you." 

This  sentence  was  uttered  with  such  a  serious  air,  un- 
accompanied by  the  spasmodic  mirth  characteristic  of  the 
speaker,  that  his  friend  readily  conceived  the  necessity  of 
infusing  a  more  ardent  spirit  into  the  originator  of  it,  so  as 
to  bring  him  on  a  par  with  himself,  equality  of  sentiment 
on  current  questions  being  one  of  his  favorite  rules.  Hence 
he  suggested  : 

"  S'pose  we  take  in  Cuffins's.  Cozy  hole  that  there. 
Cuffs  a  daisy  at  doin'  things,  you  bet.  There  ain't  no 
small  fry  on  his  spread." 

Cuffins's  was  a  saloon  a  few  rods  off  from  where  they 
stood,  to  which  the  men  repaired:  It  was  famous,  accord- 
ing to  the  testimony  of  the  night  watchman,  as  a  resort  for 
men  of  small  means,  or,  indeed,  of  all  means,  who,  while 
paying  for  drink,  were  accommodated  with  something  to 
eat,  gratis,  called  a  lunch.  This  lunch  was  eaten  off  a 
common  dish  either  by  selecting  a  bit  or  bite  with  the 
fingers  or  the  use  of  a  fork  kept  near  it  for  indiscriminate 
use.  Whifton  would  drink  nothing  stronger  than  lemon- 
ade, nor  Honeybone  other  than  cocktail. 

It  was  off  the  bar  where  they  entered  in  a  small  reception 
room  decorated  with  cheap  prints  of  pugilists  and  some  of 
the  sporting  fraternity  of  a  lower  order,  whose  exhibition 
seemed  as  necessary  to  the  imbibers  of  potations  as  flavor 
to  the  drinks.  Honeybone's  face  presented  a  smile  of 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  69 

great  sweetness,  vulgarized,  however,  by  the  red  color  of 
his  nose,  as,  taking  his  glass,  he  said,  "  Here's  fortune," 
while  his  companion  seemed  wholly  intent  on  studying  the 
phraseology  by  which  he  was  to  open  the  interview.  After 
some  delay  he  said: 

"  You  know  everybody  in  Omaha,  Flanks?  " 
"  I  guess  so,  purty  much,  'cept  strangers." 
"  The  bank  is  one  of  the  places  you  have  to  watch  ?  " 
"  There  ain't  no  crook  livin'  as  could  pull  that  there  pen 
while  I'm  round,  an'  don't  you  forget  it." 

"  It  would  not  surprise  me  to  hear  of  Judge  Finnestare 
selling  out  his  interest  in  the  concern.  What  makes  me 
think  so  is  this  :  I  saw  a  man  in  there  today  who  appeared 
to  be  very  intimate  with  the  family.  It  is  really  so." 

Honeybone  burst  into  a  loud  laugh  at  Whifton's  method 
of  characterizing  the  acquaintance  of  the  Finnestares. 

"Oh,    him!"    he   answered.       "A   youngish   sort    of 
feller?" 
"Exactly." 

"  Good-lookin'  from  his  boots  up." 
"  There  is  no  denying  it.     It  is  really  so." 
"  W'y,  he's  sweet  on  the  daughter,  dead  stuck  on  her, 
an'  solid  for  sure.     He  ain't  goin'  to  be  on  the  left  side. 
They'll  be  married." 

Honeybone' s  glance  was  directed  through  the  window  of 
the  apartment  while  uttering  these  terse  sentences,  and  for 
sounds  he  had  his  ear  bent  to  the  tinkling  of  glasses  in  the 
bar,  where  a  second  cocktail  was  being  prepared  for  his 
use.  He  had  not  the  least  idea  of  the  effect  of  his  words 
on  the  mind  of  his  friend ;  but  they  touched  Whifton's 
heart  like  sharp-pointed  daggers.  What  that  little  dreamer 
had  anticipated  was  true.  This  newcomer  referred  to  by 


70  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

Honeybone  and  seen  by  himself  was  the  lover  of  Grace 
Finnestare.  The  possibility  of  maintaining  a  rivalship 
with  him  must  not  be  entertained  for  a  moment.  It  would 
be  preposterous,  utterly  ridiculous.  He  made  a  rapid 
survey  of  his  exterior  appearance,  as  if  to  prove  the  truth 
of  this  conclusion.  He  saw  the  little  boots,  the  tiny  legs, 
and  the  miniature  breast,  which,  though  prominent,  was 
as  frail  as  a  mere  eggshell  compared  with  the  pronounced 
manliness  and  strength  of  the  person  seen  in  the  bank; 
and  his  hopes  went  out  from  his  understanding  like  a  light 
that  is  suddenly  extinguished  in  the  darkness  of  night ! 
Furtively  he  glanced  at  Honeybone  to  ascertain  if  there 
was  any  trace  in  his  countenance  of  love  for  Grace  Fin- 
nestare, for  he  supposed  that  every  man  seeing  her  must 
have  been  captivated  instantaneously,  but  the  scrutiny 
proved  ineffective.  The  man  seemed  indifferent  to  the 
influence  of  the  rosy  god. 

"  How  wise  he  is  compared  with  me  !  "  thought  Whifton. 
"He  loves  to  flash  his  ring  in  the  eyes  of  people,  to  be 
admired  on  the  street  for  outside  polish  worth  about  five 
cents  a  yard,  and  guzzle  the  cheap  meals  of  sixth-rate 
boarding  houses  until  he  groans  with  delight,  while  I  have 
nothing  but  a  sore  heart  from  the  foolishness  of  loving  a 
'beauty  I  could  never  get.  I  must  live  through  it." 

This  honest  resolution  of  making  an  effort  to  retrieve  his 
mental  equanimity  seemed  to  give  him  some  strength,  so 
that  he  resumed  his  inquiries  after  the  bartender  had  fur- 
nished the  other  round,  as  each  order  of  drinks  was  called, 
and  left  the  apartment. 

"Flanks,  where  has  this  man  in  Finnestare's  come 
from?" 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  71 

"Pooh!  the  Yeast.  Hain't  they  all  from  it?  Noo 
Yark." 

"  Do  you  suppose  I  can  learn  what  brought  him  here, 
or,  rather,  what  his  business  is?  " 

"  He's  up  to  snuff,  you  bet.  Full  of  biz  as  an  alligator. 
I  guess  he  knows  what  he's  after." 

"  But  his  business,  Flanks?  " 

"  He  dassent  tell,  himself.  The  talk  is,  politics  shoved 
him  out  here  on  spec',  to  navigate  somethin'  about  the 
border  war  they're  havin'  down  in  Kansas.  There  ain't 
no  flies  on  him,  nohow." 

"  Do  you  think  we  will  have  war,  Flanks  ?  " 

" Naw.  How  can  we?  Where'll  it  come  from?  No 
soldiers,  no  nothin'." 

Thrusting  his  hands  into  the  pockets  of  his  overcoat  as 
if  his  extremities  were  cold,  Whifton  rose  to  depart,  but  at 
the  bar,  on  the  way  out,  stopped  to  pay  the  reckoning  as 
well  as  to  order  another  cocktail  for  his  friend,  taking  a 
cigar  for  himself  in  lieu  of  lemonade.  Then  as  Honey- 
bone  toasted  the  prosperity  of  trade  at  the  crossroads  and 
accompanied  him  to  the  street,  Whifton,  presenting  the 
cigar,  inquired  finally  and  impressively  : 

"What  is  the  name  of  this  strange  man,  Flanks,  in 
Finnestare's?  " 

"  They  calls  him  Herondeen,  or  Herondine,  which  is 
purty  much  the  same,"  answered  his  companion,  seizing 
the  proffered  root,  nipped  the  point  on  one  end  off  with 
his  front  teeth,  and  lighting  a  match,  began  to  smoke. 

As  this  new  pleasure  seemed  to  produce  the  motion 
necessary  to  separate  from  his  friend,  the  two  men  ex- 
changed adieus,  Honeybone  to  proceed  further  on  his  spin 
through  the  city,  while  Whifton  mounted  the  first  stage- 


72  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

coach  passing  to  his  home.  In  the  morning  he  had  come 
into  Omaha  charged  with  splendid  hopes  in  a  visionary 
future  that  even  magnified  the  beauty  of  the  landscape 
through  which  he  passed ;  now  he  was  going  out  feeling 
that  all  these  sources  of  ecstasy  were  lost  to  him  forever, 
as  if  blasted  by  the  fury  of  a  mysterious  storm  beyond  the 
confines  of  his  thoughts.  The  verdure  of  the  trees  of  his 
planting  had  been  stricken  by  fire  from  the  clouds  when 
their  bloom  promised  to  decorate  the  pathway  in  his  last 
years  on  earth.  He  saw  nothing  but  the  diminution  of 
glory  in  the  physical  aspect  of  inanimate  objects  where 
formerly  he  had  been  entranced  by  their  effulgence.  The 
sunshine  appeared  to  have  grown  darker  than  usual ;  the 
distant  prospect  devoid  of  interest;  and  his  own  home 
drooped  apparently  in  an  insignificant  manner  as  if  con- 
scious of  the  misery  to  which  its  owner  had  been  reduced. 
Entering  the  house  in  a  half-crazed  manner,  he  threw 
himself  into  a  seat  exclaiming :  "  Oh,  God  !  how  desolate 
I  am  !  It  is  really  so.  Spare  me  a  little." 


CHAPTER  VI. 

WHERE   TWO    CURRENTS    MEET. 

DANDERTON  HITCH  was  surprised  in  the  midst  of 
his  industrious  calculations  by  the  presence  of  the 
stranger  in  Omaha  whom  the  night  watchman  had  called 
Herondine.  This  was  his  first  experience  with  the  pro- 
found unknown  where  immaterial  circumstance  struck  him 
like  a  material  body.  The  incident  did  not  seem  to  war- 
rant uneasiness,  for  Danderton  was  then  ignorant  of  Her- 
ondine's  acquaintance  with  Grace  Finnestare  and  knew 


TJJE  FIR  SI   DEGREE.  73 

nothing  whatever  of  his  business  antecedents.  Intuition 
gave  him  the  cue.  It  was  when  Herodine  first  entered  the 
city  and  Danderton  seemed  on  the  eve  of  possessing  almost 
everything  the  world  could  afford. 

In  compliance  with  the  custom  of  business  men  in 
America,  Herondine  proceeded  to  the  best  hotel  to  register, 
so  as  to  announce  his  arrival,  although  having  other  living 
accommodations  in  the  place,  to  which  he  would  immedi- 
ately repair.  Danderton  was  sitting  in  the  office  as  Heron- 
dine  stepped  up  to  the  counter  when  the  accommodating 
clerk  wheeled  the  book  on  its  pivoted  support  in  order  to 
receive  his  name.  When  it  was  written,  Alton  B.  Heron- 
dine,  with  his  late  residence,  New  York,  the  recent  arrival 
turned  and  encountered  the  glances  of  the  son  of  Hamil- 
ton Hitch.  As  with  bodies  that  repel  each  other,  there 
was  antagonism  between  these  two  men  at  first  sight.  The 
fine  finish  shown  on  the  person  of  Herondine  seemed  to 
excite  contempt  in  the  mind  of  Danderton.  This  feeling 
caused  a  contraction  of  his  features,  which  roused  the 
manhood  of  the  person  against  whom  it  was  directed  ;  and 
Danderton,  on  the  other  hand,  was  slowly  but  systematic- 
ally scrutinized  by  the  stranger. 

For  no  reason  that  anybody  could  discern,  the  two  men 
grew  wrathful.  Danderton  arose  and  walked  hurriedly 
around  Herondine,  viewing  his  signature  and  conducting 
himself  in  a  manner  that  would  appear  as  if  he  meant  to 
intimidate  him,  but  was  met  with  such  cool  determination 
and  self-confident  power  that  he  kept  himself  at  a  safe  dis- 
tance. 

It  was  instructive  to  see  two  opposing  currents  of  human 
thought  meet  like  the  tide  of  the  ocean  and  the  flowing  of 
a  river.  Both  men  were  fine  specimens  of  manhood, 


74  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

physically,  but  in  all  other  respects  the  contrast  between 
them  was  remarkable.  Herondine  might  be  selected  to 
represent  the  beauty  of  morning,  while  Danderton  would 
be  assigned  to  the  gloomy  night. 

Danderton's  intuition  gave  the  warning  note.  "  If  this 
man  meets  Grace  Finnestare,  all  is  lost,"  it  said.  Dander- 
ton  saw  this  plainly  of  his  own  accord.  It  struck  him 
like  a  sword  point.  Every  movement  of  Herondine 
showed  the  truth  of  it,  and  there  seemed  no  doubt  there 
was  a  rival  before  him  who  would  cancel  all  his  chances 
and  annihilate  all  his  hopes.  It  was  a  dreadful  prospect, 
especially  as  it  resulted  from  a  careful  communion  with 
himself  whose  conviction  he  could  not  deny.  He  even 
remembered  what  Whifton  had  told  him  about  the  coming 
of  the  third  man.  "By  h— !  "  he  thought,  "that  little 
necromancer  knows  a  thing  or  two." 

It  was  strange  he  permitted  disturbance  of  this  kind  to 
distress  him  without  sufficient  evidence  as  to  its  reality. 
The  beauty  of  a  man's  person  ought  not  to  be  an  incentive 
to  give  an  insult.  Perhaps  the  incoming  stranger,  the 
immigrant,  as  he  might  be  called,  was  married  or  had  left 
some  loved  one  in  the  East  to  whom  he  would  return. 

"Oh!  no,  no,  no,"  Danderton's  heart  answered  in  the 
negative. 

The  mysterious  sensation  crowding  upon  him  seemed  to 
possess  the  property  of  removing  all  doubts  on  the  ques- 
tion. Out  of  the  darkness  of  the  unknown  the  light  of 
truth  in  this  case  came  to  him  like  a  vision  or  as  if  it  had 
been  flashed  by  an  internal  monitor.  Nature,  that  hereto- 
fore had  favored  him  like  a  pet  boy,  now  struck  him  as  if 
he  were  an  adder  !  When  he  trembled  as  if  stricken  by 
palsy,  he  knew  some  operator  other  than  error  was  at 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  75 

work,  whose  mandate  should  be  obeyed  because  outside 
the  domain  of  fiction.  Stepping  up  to  Herondine  he 
whispered,  so  as  not  to  be  overheard  by  others : 

"  Who  the  d—  are  you  ?  " 

The  response  was  equally  explicit  and  emphatic : 

"Don't  be  in  a  hurry,  young  man;  you  can  learn  that 
soon  enough." 

Danderton  seemed  to  get  furious.  Exclamations  of  hos- 
tility in  single  words  or  half-formed  sentences  escaped 
him  as  he  wheeled  and  counterwheeled  around  his  an- 
tagonist, but  made  no  further  effort  to  strike,  as  Heron- 
dine's  manly  form  and  conduct  appeared  equal  to  the 
occasion  and  fully  qualified  to  repel  an  attack.  Some  of 
Danderton's  acquaintances  who  came  upon  the  scene  at 
the  time,  observing  his  trepidation  and  fearing  trouble, 
hustled  him  out  of  the  hotel,  while  Herondine  went  quietly 
about  his  business. 

It  was  a  period  in  the  history  of  America  when  the  least 
indication  of  a  quarrel,  if  not  promptly  suppressed,  might 
induce  a  serious  riot.  Opposition  and  bad  feeling  were  in 
the  air  like  the  germs  of  an  epidemic,  and  people  every- 
where were  actually  listening  for  the  first  sound  of  war. 

As  has  been  hinted  at,  Danderton's  speculations  up  to 
this  date  seemed  sound  and  encouraging.  A  large  party 
espoused  his  journalistic  project.  He  was  informed  that 
on  such  issue  he  would  get  all  the  backing  necessary. 
Some  of  the  people  were  tired  of  sermons  and  wanted  any- 
thing new,  no  matter  what.  On  this  account  he  would 
call  his  paper  "  The  Western  Gasconader,"  and  through  it 
spread  broadcast  all  the  scandal  that  could  be  collected. 
His  residence,  too,  had  been  completed  and  was  occupied. 
The  old  home  at  the  foothills  had  been  removed,  and  he 


76  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

and  his  father  were  frequently  seen  on  the  streets  or  in 
public  places  conversing  with  businessmen  on  questions  of 
the  times.  In  a  few  weeks,  perhaps  days,  he  was  promised 
an  introduction  to  Grace  Finnestare.  In  the  mental  per- 
spective which  these  incidents  created  he  could  discern 
happiness;  but  while  viewing  its  glittering  aspect,  some 
unseen  hand  thrust  Herondine  between  him  and  it,  thus 
shutting  the  fascinating  vision  out. 

Explanations  followed  their  first  encounter.  Herondine 
received  two  accounts  of  Danderton,  one  intimating  that 
he  was  a  rising  young  capitalist  whose  thoroughness  and 
live  ideas  might  be  relied  on  to  advance  the  interests  of 
the  city.  The  other  description  traced  his  history  back  to 
his  boyhood  and  questioned  the  integrity  of  his  character, 
classifying  him  also  as  a  sport  or  a  person  to  be  feared. 

On  the  other  hand,  Danderton  was  informed  that 
Herondine  was  an  agent  of  a  powerful  political  party 
organizing  throughout  the  entire  country  to  give  freedom 
to  the  slaves  and  otherwise  infringe  on  the  private  rights  of 
citizens.  As  such  it  was  his  bounden  duty  to  oppose  him. 

Danderton's  father  became  vigorous  in  sustaining  the 
cause  of  his  son  on  the  above  grounds.  No  one  knew  his 
secret  motive  any  more  than  they  were  acquainted  with 
the  young  man's  thoughts  regarding  Grace  Finnestare; 
but  he  promised  all  the  support  at  his  command.  Dander- 
ton  would  forgive  everything  in  his  rival  but  acquaintance- 
ship with  the  lady  of  his  love.  He  had  not  long  to  wait 
for  the  verification  of  his  fears. 

That  evening,  as  he  stood  inside  the  curtains  of  one  of 
the  front  windows  looking  westward,  he  saw  two  persons 
walking  leisurely  a  few  hundred  feet  beyond  the  street  in 
the  direction  of  the  low  hills  heretofore  noticed.  The 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  77 

sunshine  was  dying  out  slowly,  but  the  atmosphere  was 
calm  and  the  fragrance  coming  in  from  the  great  prairie 
enchanting.  The  couple  proceeded  until  they  reached  a 
prominent  point  where  the  distant  landscape  would  appear 
pleasantly  to  the  sight.  Then  they  remained  stationary. 
It  seemed  evident  from  their  movements  they  enjoyed 
each  other's  society  and  were  happy.  They  were  good 
people  whose  confidence  each  knew  how  to  value  and 
respect.  There  was  no  mistaking  their  identity.  At  a 
glance  it  could  be  seen  they  were  Herondine  and  Grace 
Finnestare ! 

When  first  observed,  Danderton's  gaze  became  fixed 
and  he  felt  as  if  a  thunderbolt  had  fallen  upon  him.  The 
interior  of  his  heart  was  stricken  by  acute  pain,  as  well  as 
that  his  life  or  spirit  became  agitated  as  if  threatened  with 
death.  Perspiration  stood  out  on  his  forehead,  while 
respiration  seemed  so  difficult  that  he  imagined  it  about  to 
cease  altogether. 

The  evil  in  his  nature,  however,  soon  came  to  his 
assistance.  Withdrawing  suddenly  from  the  window,  he 
sought  a  room  looking  toward  the  northwest,  threw  up  the 
sash,  rushed  to  a  cupboard,  and,  picking  up  a  rifle  which 
lay  against  the  wall,  began  loading  it  with  round  shot. 
One  would  imagine  he  beheld  a  lion  whose  life  he  pro- 
posed taking  before  it  succeeded  in  its  efforts  to  cross  the 
bluff.  The  train  of  ideas  started  by  his  passion  hurried 
him  forward  towards  the  brink  of  crime,  without  the  les- 
sons taught  by  his  father  being  of  any  avail.  He  seemed 
maddened  into  a  condition  beyond  the  control  of  his 
powers.  When  the  rifle  was  loaded  and  made  ready,  he 
raised  it  to  his  shoulder.  He  aimed  ! 

'•Ah  !  What  is  this?  "  he  cried,  with  an  oath. 


78  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

Grace  Finnestare  was  standing  between  him  and  Heron- 
dine!  If  he  fired,  she  would  fall  and  his  rival  probably 
escape.  Would  he  kill  the  two?  "Not  yet,"  he  an- 
swered mentally,  while  he  lowered  the  weapon  to  an 
order  arms.  At  this  instant  his  father  entered  the  apart- 
ment and  became  acquainted  with  the  situation  and  the 
causes  leading  to  it.  Placing  his  hand  on  the  young 
man's  shoulder,  he  said  : 

"  Danderton,  I  have  guarded  your  safety  for  many  years, 
but  if  you  did  what  I  think  you  were  going  to  do  I  could 
not  save  you." 

"I  am  willing  to  suffer  for  this  business,"  replied  the 
son. 

"No.  We  cannot  afford  to  think  so,"  continued  the 
elder  man.  "  It  ought  to  be  fitting  for  me  as  a  means  of 
reaching  a  tragic  end ;  but  quite  unprofitable  for  you. 
There  is  nothing  in  it." 

"  Can  you  give  me  some  remedy  to  satisfy  my  revengeful 
disposition  —  a  panacea,  as  they  call  it  —  and  at  the  same 
time  relieve  the  fearful  pain  of  my  head  and  heart?  " 

After  some  reflection  the  father  answered  : 

"  The  time  and  place  must  be  more  suitable  than  these, 
and  the  means  of  a  darker  kind.  Come." 

Danderton  followed  his  father  into  an  apartment  which 
had  been  set  apart  as  a  day  room  for  his  accommodation. 
It  was  gloomy  and  secure  from  all  intrusion.  Standing 
a  few  feet  inside  the  door  of  this  infernal  sanctum,  the 
old  man  spoke  in  whispers,  lest  by  any  possibility  his  words 
might  be  heard  outside. 

"  When  chance  favors  us,  use  your  own  method." 

"How?     What?" 

"  Dynamite." 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  79 

"  Ha  !  you  have  tumbled  to  it.  I  told  you  it  was  first- 
class." 

"Have  the  two  fall  together.  On  the  day  of  their 
marriage,  for  instance,  when  they  are  happiest !  " 

"  The  woman  too?  " 

"  Yes ;  and,  for  the  matter  of  that,  the  old  man  her 
father.  It  is  a  great  bill  —  a  full  hand  —  a  game  worth 
playing.  It  must  be  done  so  much  on  the  quiet,  however, 
that  there  will  be  no  chance  of  discovery,  and  in  the  night, 
when  consternation  may  be  added  to  sensation." 

These  words  of  Hamilton  Hitch  were  delivered  rapidly, 
while  traces  of  foam  appeared  on  his  lips  and  his  pale  face 
grew  ghastly  from  excessive  feeling.  His  head  moved 
from  side  to  side  like  one  proud  of  some  remarkable 
achievement.  Danderton  did  not  quail  before  the  terrors 
awakened  by  the  details  of  the  fiendish  plot.  Once  he 
trembled  while  meditating  a  little  on  the  individuals  con- 
cerned, but  by  an  effort  assumed  a  calm  aspect  when  he 
said  : 

"It  is  a  pity  to  slay  the  woman." 

"  Chicken  !  "  remarked  the  father,  contemptuously. 

"You  mistake  me,"  resumed  Danderton.  "  I  am  con- 
cerned for  myself  in  this  case  much  more  than  on  her 
account.  If  the  woman  is  killed,  the  memory  of  her  will 
stay  with  me  for  sure.  I  would  prefer  to  be  free  from  such 
burden ;  whereas,  if  she  lives  and  this  man  Herondine,  her 
husband  that  is  to  be,  dies,  I  may  succeed  — ' ' 

"Don't,"  said  the  father,  interrupting  him.  "Let  us 
have  no  more  silly  expectation.  She  would  treat  you  then 
as  she  does  now  with  contempt.  Who,  let  me  ask  you, 
laughed  at  your  well-meant  aspirations  and  ridiculed  your 


8.)  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

wishes  —  was  it  not  the  woman?  Well,  then,  cut  her 
image  from  your  mind  and  hate  her  if  nothing  else." 

"  I  could  not  live,"  said  Danderton  slowly,  as  if  by  ex- 
planation, "if  she  dies  in  the  manner  suggested.  This 
remedy  would  only  make  matters  worse.  I  might  be 
forced  like  others  to  die  by  my  own  hand." 

"Think  of  your  prosperity,  can't  you?  The  fame 
awaiting  your  business  enterprise  and  the  popularity  fol- 
lowing our  literary  efforts  in  '  The  Gasconader.'  ' 

"They  won't  do  worth  a  continental,  pap.  I'm  tor- 
tured out  of  all  patience." 

The  father,  grasping  his  son  by  the  arm  so  as  to  be  felt, 
resumed:  "Wait.  Fight  the  trouble.  Let  the  woman 
pass  unhurt  if  you  want  to,  but  pursue  the  man  until  the 
opportunity  arrives ;  then  strike  and  take  what  chances 
there  may  be  afterwards.  Will  that  satisfy  your  appetite?  " 

"  What  am  I  to  do  in  the  meantime?  " 

"Work.  Rustle.  Go  into  politics,  oppose  Herondine 
in  all  his  speculations,  and  set  your  mind  on  marrying  an 
ugly  woman.  Nothing  will  cure  you  if  that  don't." 

While  the  young  man  reflected  on  the  terms  of  relief  as 
dictated  in  the  foregoing  advice,  the  father  proposed  the 
provision  of  new  solace.  He  resumed : 

"  I  have  something  else  to  tell  you,  which,  after  all,  is 
the  principal  thing.  The  little  man  beyond  the  river,  and 
I,  are  acquainted.  He  suspects  nothing.  It  appears 
certain  he  will  be  faithful  to  the  conditions  laid  down  for 
him.  He  will  supply  the  dynamite  and  relieve  us  of  the 
responsibility,  don't  you  see,  should  anybody  make  a  fuss 
over  it." 

"  Pap,  there's  no  denying  the  wrinkle.     I  acknowledge 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  81 

the  corn  ;  you're  smart.  That's  what's  the  matter,  and 
don't  you  forget  it,"  said  Danderton' joyfully. 

The  father  continued  : 

"  When  the  article  is  received,  place  it  under  the  house 
where  Herondine  is  sleeping.  Set  the  fuse  at  such  length 
that  you  may  have  time  to  get  out  of  danger  before  the 
explosion  and  return  home  immediately.  In  the  morning 
we  can  join  the  citizens  in  offering  a  reward  for  the  appre- 
hension of  the  perpetrators  of  the  outrage !  This  will 
cover  our  tracks." 

There  was  a  smile  on  Danderton's  face  as  he  returned  to 
the  apartment  from  which  he  had  seen  Herondine  in  com- 
pany with  Grace  Finnestare.  The  hope  inspired  by  his 
father  expanded  through  the  medium  of  reflection  until  he 
was  full  of  his  enemy's  premature  downfall  and  the  glory 
of  ridding  the  world  of  him  by  the  new  process  so  little 
known.  On  this  account,  he  was  not  disturbed  on  seeing 
Herondine  and  his  companion  retrace  their  steps  home- 
ward as  the  twilight  came  over  the  plains  and  lovingly 
folded  them  in  its  embrace,  as  if  they  needed  protection, 
and  finally  shut  them  up  in  Finnestare's  while  it  deepened 
into  night  and  disappeared. 

About  a  week  after  the  events  here  related  there  was  a 
large  procession  in  the  streets  of  Omaha.  One  of  its 
esteemed  citizens  had  naturally  gone  to  his  account.  Be- 
sides the  friends  and  acquaintances  of  the  deceased  in 
carriages,  many  persons  fell  into  line  afoot,  attracted  by 
the  solemnity  of  the  occasion.  Among  the  crowd  thus 
situated  was  Crow  Whifton,  from  the  crossroads  at  Coun- 
cil Bluffs.  He  was  alone,  so  to  speak,  as  it  was  in  the 
forenoon  and  the  nightwatchman  had  not  yet  appeared. 
The  old  cemetery  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  city  being 


82  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

still  available,  the  procession  soon  reached  its  destination, 
and  the  minister  began  the  reading  of  the  beautiful  service 
of  the  Episcopal  Church  amid  profound  silence  and  the 
deep  reverence  of  the  spectators.  Just  as  he  recited,  "I 
heard  a  voice  from  heaven  saying  — " 

"Whifton,  my  dear  pal,  I'm  with  you,"  interrupted  a 
whispered  voice  at  the  little  man's  elbow,  and  turning  he 
saw  Hamilton  Hitch  bent  forward  as  if  in  prayer  and  with 
an  unctuous  appearance  on  his  countenance. 

Again  the  minister's  voice  prevailed,  saying,  "From 
henceforth  now  and  forever." 

"Amen  !  "  responded  Whifton,  as  if  he  had  been  forced 
into  some  declaration  of  the  heart  through  the  nature  of 
his  surroundings,  and  could  no  longer  resist  the  impulse  to 
be  pious  like  his  companion. 

When  the  services  were  concluded,  the  men  thus  strangely 
brought  together  walked  into  the  principal  street,  where 
the  crowd  broke  up  and  dispersed  into  the  ordinary  busi- 
ness community.  Hamilton  Hitch,  concluding  a  disser- 
tation on  the  subject  of  his  love  for  the  company  of 
successful  men  like  Whifton,  invited  him  into  a  popular 
restaurant,  where  he  treated  him  to  a  sumptuous  lunch. 
While  discussing  the  menu,  which  had  been  flanked  by  a 
couple  of  bottles  of  dry  claret,  Hitch  remarked  in  an 
affable  manner : 

"The  joke  of  it  is,  my  dear  Whifton,  that  my  son 
wanted  a  little  dynamite  to  use  in  his  scientific  experi- 
ments, but,  fearing  public  comment,  applied  to  you  in  the 
manner  we  all  remember  until  such  time  as  his  investiga- 
tions were  successfully  completed.  I  told  him  a  few  days 
ago  I  would  get  it  from  you  or  have  you  send  for  as  much 
as  he  required.  Its  manufacture  is  known  only  to  a  few." 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  83 

"Why,  certainly,"  answered  Whiflon,"!  shall  be  happy 
to  accommodate  you,  now  that  we  know  each  other.  It  is 
really  so." 

"Remember,"  continued  the  elder  man,  "mum's  the 
word.  Let  nothing  tempt  you  to  give  the  matter  away, 
because,  as  you  know,  science  has  no  relationship  with 
worldly  people." 

"Never  you  mind,"  returned  Whifton,  with  a  friendly 
nod  of  his  head.  "  They  won't  get  anything  out  of  me  if 
I  know  myself."  Then,  after  a  little  reflection,  he  con- 
tinued: "I'll  send  for  it.  I  have  the  address  of  the  in- 
ventor." 

"How  long,  my  dear  Whifton,  will  we  have  to  wait 
before  it  comes  ? ' ' 

" Let  me  see;  three  and  three  are  six,  and  twenty-one, 
twenty-seven,  three  —  about  two  months.  If  not  unavoid- 
ably detained,  we  may  have  it  here  close  on  to  Christmas, 
say  December  twentieth." 

"  It  will  be  the  season  for  slaughtering  ducks  and  geese," 
said  Hamilton  Hitch  carelessly. 

"  Quite  right,"  returned  Whifton,  evidently  attaching 
no  significance  to  the  words  other  than  their  literal  mean- 
ing. 

The  repast  ended,  Whifton  was  about  to  rise  so  as  to 
depart  homeward,  when  his  companion  made  a  motion  with 
his  hand  to  detain  him. 

"  There  is  one  thing  more,"  he  said.  "  Take  this  token 
of  my  esteem  in  consideration  of  your  faithfulness.  Keep 
it,  and  if  you  are  ever  in  a  difficulty  that  I  can  relieve  it 
will  serve  you." 

Whifton,  glancing  at  the  gift,  saw  it  was  a  watch  charm 
of  triangular  shape  with  some  mystic  signs  on  each  side. 


84  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

It  seemed  a  mixture  of  precious  metals  and  had  an  attach- 
ment to  connect  it  with  a  chain  or  ring. 

"  I'll  wear  it,"  returned  Whifton.  "Thank  you."  Then, 
as  the  friends  separated,  Whifton  remarked  to  himself,  "  I 
declare !  that  new  friend  of  mine  is  the  most  agreeable 
person  Lever  met.  He  is  liberal,  too — in  fact,  open- 
handed  and  generous  to  a  turn  —  a  real  gentleman.  It  is 
really  so." 


CHAPTER  VII. 

AN   UNGODLY    HEIRLOOM. 

A", TON  B.  HERONDINE,  whose  appearance  in  Omaha 
had  created  some  speculation  in  regard  to  the 
character  of  his  business  and  future  operations,  was  a  New 
York  gentleman  of  means,  legitimately  acquired  through 
the  industry  and  economy  of  his  progenitors.  His  prop- 
erty for  the  most  part  consisted  of  improved  real  estate  in 
the  neighborhood  of  Abingdon  Square,  New  York,  which, 
by  the  way,  is  a  triangular  enclosure  not  far  from  the 
junction  of  West  Twelfth  Street  and  Eighth  Avenue, 
showing  conclusively  that  the  magnanimous  person  who 
undertook  to  give  the  place  a  name  was  not  well  versed  in 
the  elements  of  Euclid. 

His  father  belonged  to  the  Herondines  of  Hillville,  a 
maritime  suburb  of  a  large  city  on  the  eastern  coast,  and 
claimed  direct  descent  from  a  celebrated  Herondine  who, 
a  century  before,  swam  three  miles  into  the  open  sea  for 
the  purpose  of  recovering  his  fishpole,  accidentally  carried 
out  by  the  tide,  and  returned  safely  to  land  with  the 
precious  implement.  So  far  from  exhibiting  a  desire  to 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  85 

transmit  this  part  of  the  family  record  to  future  ages, 
Alton  B.  repudiated  it  altogether,  asserting  that  it  was  a 
mere  travesty  on  the  incapacity  of  his  ancestor,  who  could 
not  swim  at  all. 

The  Herondine  of  our  day  needed  no  fame  of  this  kind, 
while  his  honesty  of  purpose  and  generous  disposition 
towards  mankind  led  him  to  seek  the  solution  of  intricate 
problems  associated  with  the  destinies  of  his  country  dur- 
ing his  youth.  For  a  long  time  he  wavered  between  right 
and  wrong,  on  account  of  his  surroundings;  but,  persisting 
in  his  search,  he  came  to  know  the  truth  at  last. 

It  is  necessary  to  present  him  to  the  reader  struggling 
for  a  knowledge  of  political  science  in  his  New  York  home. 
The  disintegration,  or  breaking-up  process,  which  takes 
place  in  all  families  sooner  or  later,  whereby  the  members 
are  scattered  by  death,  emigration,  or  marriage,  or  sepa- 
rated on  account  of  other  causes,  set  in  with  the  Heron- 
dines  while  Alton  B.  was  quite  young.  At  the  age  of  six- 
teen, when  beginning  his  collegiate  course,  it  was  found 
that  there  remained  to  him  from  his  family  and  relatives 
but  two  old  aunts,  one  being  the  sister  of  his  good  father, 
and  the  other  bearing  a  similar  relationship  to  his  honored 
mother. 

These  ladies  possessed  estates  in  their  own  right ;  so 
that  their  introduction  into  the  Herondine  household  was 
not  designed  to  be  a  means  or  an  end  of  support  as  poor 
relations,  but  to  enable  them  to  form  a  home  circle  for  the 
young  heir,  and  endeavor  to  relieve  his  anxieties  and  attend 
to  his  individual  wants.  So  well  and  assiduously  did  they 
bend  to  the  labor  assigned  them  in  this  case  that  the 
neighbors  frequently  called  Herondine  "  the  young  man 
with  the  two  mothers." 


86  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

It  was  one  of  the  curiosities  of  the  times  to  witness 
Alton  B.  stroll  up  Bleecker  Street  into  Broadway  with  an 
aunt  on  each  arm,  now  listening  to  the  suggestions  of  the 
one,  then  turning  suddenly  to  hear  the  opinions  of  the 
other.  As  he  was  tall  for  his  age  and  the  ladies  who 
accompanied  him  very  much  the  same  height,  gaunt,  posi- 
tive, and  demonstrative  while  expatiating  on  familiar  sub- 
jects, the  spectacle  presented  by  the  group  was  amusing. 
In  like  manner  they  were  encountered  in  several  public 
places  in  and  around  the  city  —  in  Union  Square,  at  the 
City  Hall,  along  the  wharf,  near  the  Battery  or  Castle 
Garden,  in  the  old  Washington  Market,  at  the  Fifth 
Avenue  Hotel,  on  the  Bowery,  in  Central  Park,  or  beyond 
the  Hudson  on  the  heights  at  Hoboken. 

Mrs.  Winling,  the  aunt  on  the  Herondine  side  of  the 
house,  had  been  gray-haired  for  years,  but  was  now  white ; 
yet  she  still  retained  great  vitality,  clear  perception,  and  a 
volubility  of  language  quite  remarkable.  Her  laughter 
resembled  in  some  respects  the  clear  sound  of  a  bell.  It 
was  customary  to  call  her  "Aunt  Frill" — an  abbreviation 
of  Frilistine,  which  was  her  Christian  name.  She  was  a 
widow  whose  husband  and  children  were  long  since  dead ; 
and  on  this  account,  perhaps,  she  sought  earthly  solace  in 
her  attachment  for  Herondine,  whose  comfort  she  endeav- 
ored on  all  occasions  to  promote. 

On  the  other  hand,  there  was  the  mother's  sister,  Emma 
Funton,  whom  Herondine  familiarly  called  "Aunt  Em." 
Mrs.  Funton  was  also  a  widow;  but  her  children,  three  in 
number,  had  been  well  married  and  settled  comfortably  in 
life,  leaving  her  to  select  the  method  of  living  best  suited 
to  herself.  Seeing  the  hardship  wrought  by  death  in  the 
Herondine  family,  Aunt  Em  offered  her  services  as  com- 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  87 

forter  and  joint  guardian  with  Aunt  Frill ;  and  thus  it  came 
to  pass  they  were  associated  in  a  benevolent  work  that  the 
people  at  large  heartily  approved :  but  they  had  their 
peculiarities. 

Aunt  Frill  was  an  indefatigable  searcher  after  news 
relating  to  the  pedigree  of  other  people,  more  especially  to 
the  phase  of  it  known  as  family  jars,  and  even  going  so 
far  as  to  find  comfort  in  sensational  scandal  as  noised 
around  by  neighboring  gossips.  At  meals  Herondine 
heard  all  the  secret  operations  of  society  through  Aunt 
Frill  with  a  great  deal  more  accuracy  than  was  related 
in  the  daily  papers,  besides  hundreds  of  choice  items  that 
never  reached  publication  at  all.  He  was  delighted  with 
it,  which  made  his  aunt  say  on  one  occasion  that  she 
"believed  its  efficacy  made  him  fat."  Whether  true  or 
false,  this  assertion  need  not  be  questioned  in  face  of  the 
fact  that  the  young  man  enjoyed  the  society  of  Aunt  Frill 
with  keen  discernment,  and  imagined  he  could  not  eat  a 
satisfactory  meal  if  not  listening  to  the  force  and  eloquence 
of  her  tongue  on  such  subjects  as  appeared  to  captivate 
her  choice. 

Mrs.  Funton,  however,  held  these  characteristic  traits  of 
her  companion  in  some  contempt.  Her  precise  and 
methodical  manner  was  opposed  naturally  to  frivolous 
language,  although  she  did  not  object  to  the  circulation  of 
scandal  if  couched  in  appropriate  terms.  She  was  a  good 
speaker,  and  the  modulating  tones  of  her  voice  added 
interest  as  well  as  a  pleasurable  character  to  her  discourse. 
As  a  rule,  if  not  debating  with  Aunt  Frill,  she  was  expati- 
ating on  the  nature  of  a  physical  trouble  which  had  fol- 
lowed herself  for  years ;  namely,  weakness  of  the  stomach. 
No  one  exactly  knew  whether  the  complaint  had  ceased 


88  /<V  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

progressing  or  otherwise;  her  own  testimony  was  all  that 
could  be  relied  on  in  the  case,  and  that  was  explicit 
enough. 

"  My  dear  Frill,"  she  would  say,  "  you  know  my  weak- 
ness. My  stomach  is  gone  —  totally  gone.  I  could  no 
more  hope  for  its  return  to  the  normal  state  than  expect  to 
meet  Washington  on  Broadway.  I  am  resigned  to  my  fate 
absolutely.  You  can  see  for  yourself  how  cheerfully  I  bear 
up  against  such  tremendous  odds.  The  doctor  asserts  there 
is  no  remedy  for  weakness  equal  to  strength.  Something 
strong  should  be  applied  to  the  weakness.  Of  course,  that 
is  quite  reasonable,  and  based,  evidently,  on  sound  scien- 
tific principle ;  therefore,  my  dear,  I  shall  take  for  break- 
fast on  this  occasion  a  beefsteak  and  fried  onions  with 
scrambled  eggs  on  the  side." 

Divided  in  tastes  and  sentiments,  the  aunts  stood  apart 
also  on  the  political  issues  of  the  period.  Mrs.  Winling 
espoused  the  teachings  of  the  Northern  wing  of  the  Demo- 
cratic Party,  afterwards  led  by  Stephen  A.  Douglas,  of 
Illinois,  while  Mrs.  Funton  believed  all  hope  of  future 
prosperity  for  the  nation  lay  with  the  Constitutional  Union 
Party,  previously  known  as  the  Know-nothing  Party.  In 
seeking  information  on  the  question  of  slavery,  therefore, 
Herondine  encountered  a  great  deal  of  uncertainty. 

While  Aunt  Frill  went  the  length  of  recommending  that 
the  people  of  the  territories  should  be  permitted  to  solve 
the  difficulties  of  the  situation  to  suit  themselves  or  appeal 
to  the  wisdom  of  the  Supreme  Court,  no  argument  was 
advanced  by  her  against  the  prevalence  of  slavery  in  the 
states  as  then  existing,  because  the  Constitution  permitted 
it  and  she  and  her  party  imagined  they  could  not  assume 
powers  sufficient  to  overturn  that  which  their  forefathers 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  89 

had  so  firmly  established.  This  conclusion  came  so  near 
being  right  that  it  presented  the  semblance  of  greatness  to 
the  world,  which  characterizes  the  conduct  of  strict  adher- 
ents of  civil  law,  and  left  Herondine  at  a  loss  to  know 
how  or  where  the  whole  truth  could  be  acquired,  if  any- 
thing further  remained  to  be  discovered  relating  to  the 
problem. 

Mrs.  Funton  could  not  supply  him  with  the  desired 
knowledge,  because  he  found  of  his  own  accord  that  the 
crude  rules  of  her  political  belief  were  practically  set  aside 
by  the  intellectual  spirit  of  the  times,  and  must  be  repudi- 
ated by  every  young  aspirant  for  public  distinction  or  be 
reckoned  an  illiberal  citizen. 

When  Aunt  Frill  found  that  her  dear  nephew  remained 
for  years  disturbed  in  his  political  faith  like  a  scornful  irrec- 
oncilable, she  marveled  much  on  the  character  of  a  remedy 
for  his  case.     Public  opinion  appeared  so  much  divided  on 
great  questions  that  she  considered  it  useless  to  apply  to 
any  one  of  the  prominent  statesmen  in  the  country  for  en- 
lightenment, because  his  sayings  today  would  be  contro- 
verted  tomorrow   by  somebody  else  equally  gifted;  and 
how  could  she,  a  widow  without  children,  determine  who 
was  right?     Hence  she  observed  to  Mrs.  Funton: 
"  We'll  wait.     It  will  be  set  right  some  day." 
To  which  the  lady  addressed  emphatically  replied  : 
"  Never,  except  through  cause  and  effect,  if  not  by  means 
of  Constitutional  Union." 

"My  impression  is,"  continued  Aunt  Frill,  "  things  of 
this  kind  come  of  their  own  accord,  even  if  not  allied  to 
genuine  democracy  —  like  a  man  deserting  his  wife,  for 
instance,  or  an  elopement  in  high  life,  that  no  one  ever 
expected  would  occur." 


90  AV  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

"My  dear  Frill,"  responded  Mrs.  Funton,  "these  are 
accidents,  mere  everyday  happenings,  that  bear  no  relation 
to  Alton  one  way  or  another.  I  may  reiterate,  however, 
the  assertion  so  plainly  made  before,  that  all  endeavors  to 
find  some  visionary  benefit  from  a  party  or  principle  that 
has  no  existence  —  mark  you,  no  de  facto  existence  —  may 
be  pronounced  waste  of  energy  and  distress  of  spirit." 

Aunt  Frill  was  silenced.  Whenever  her  opponent  in 
debate  found  it  necessary  to  quote  from  the  Latin  or 
French,  she  felt  her  case  hopeless,  believing  that  the  pres- 
ence of  these  foreign  languages,  or  any  one  of  them,  in  the 
discourse  indicated  complete  victory  for  the  other  side. 
Mrs.  Funton's  reasonings,  however,  did  not  bring  convic- 
tion to  her  mind;  and  for  a  long  time  she  kept  her  thoughts 
to  herself,  expecting  some  revelation.  Strange  as  it  may 
appear,  her  hope  was  at  length  satisfied,  and  the  mysterious 
knowledge  revealed  as  if  to  gladden  her  old  heart  in  return 
for  the  solicitude  so  lavishly  bestowed  on  Herondine. 

One  day,  in  passing  through  Union  Square,  while 
Herondine  was  listening  to  Mrs.  Funton's  description  of 
the  celebrated  persons  in  her  party  who  loved  baked  beans 
for  Sunday  morning  breakfast,  Aunt  Frill  espied  a  young 
man  seated  on  one  of  the  rustic  benches  near  the  central 
fountain,  whose  appearance  seemed  to  revive  in  her  some 
ambitious  idea,  if  not  the  curiosity  for  which  she  was  re-  • 
markable. 

The  young  man  was  comfortably  dressed,  slender  in 
form,  had  a  clear,  pale  face  and  brown  hair,  and  appeared 
a  little  above  the  medium  height.  A  book  lay  beside  him, 
and  as  the  party  of  the  first  part  passed  he  bent  forward 
and  traced  lines  on  the  margin  of  the  walk  with  the  end  of 
a  twig. 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  91 

Aunt  Frill  was  charmed  by  such  novel  conduct,  although 
unnoticed  by  her  companions;  and,  as  her  nature  demand- 
ed the  solution  of  the  mysterious  sayings  and  doings  of  all 
persons  within  the  limits  of  her  acquaintance,  as  well  as 
those  without  them  whom  she  could  in  any  way  reach,  she 
imagined  she  had  discovered  in  the  present  case  a  fair  sub- 
ject for  investigation.  Besides,  she  became  suddenly  ani- 
mated with  the  belief  that  this  young  man  was  an  oracle 
whose  words  would  break  down  the  barrier  of  uncertainty, 
and  clear  all  doubts  away.  In  her  enthusiasm  she  laughed 
like  one  brimful  of  pleasant  memories. 

"I  declare,"  she  said  to  Herondine,  "we  must  retrace 
our  steps  and  question  that  young  man." 

"Why,  aunt,  would  it  not  be  rude  to  accost  a  stranger 
without  a  formal  introduction?  " 

"  No,  my  dear,  not  a  stranger  if  the  design  be  good, 
such  as  the  necessity  existing  of  knowing  as  much  as  you 
can  about  his  affairs.  We  must  keep  posted,  Alton,  or  be 
nowhere.  Besides,  he  may  be  able  to  prescribe  a  remedy 
for  Aunt  Em's  complaint,  which  is  defying  all  our  care 
and  watchfulness." 

"I  doubt  it  very  much,"  replied  Mrs.  Funton  testily, 
although  evidently  flattered  by  the  kindness  of  Aunt  Frill 
in  remembering  her  at  that  time. 

"But  you  will  permit  me  to  question  him,  Aunt,"  con- 
tinued Herondine,  as,  wheeling  round  with  his  compan- 
ions, he  perceived  they  were  committed  to  the  undertaking. 

"  No,  Alton,  no,"  responded  Aunt  Frill.  "  You  might 
frighten  him,  my  dear,  whereas  my  questions  will  only 
mollify  his  temper  and  draw  him  out." 

Thus  assuming  the  entire  control  of  the  prospective 
interview,  Aunt  Frill  approached  her  object  with  the 


92  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

cautious  air  of  an  uninformed  person  in  order  to  excite  the 
ready  acquiescence  of  the  stranger. 

"  Excuse  a  woman's  curiosity,"  she  said,  addressing  the 
young  man,  "but  my  friends  —  my  nephew,  Mr.  Heron- 
dine,  and  Aunt  Funton  — were  in  doubt  as  to  your  object 
of  drawing  lines  in  the  sand;  and  to  relieve  their  embar- 
rassment I  thought  it  only  right  to  ask  you,  seeing  you 
looked  like  a  young  person  that  would  be  very  obliging." 
."Well,"  replied  the  stranger  somewhat  tardily,  "I 
imagine  my  work  of  little  interest  to  you  or  your  friends, 
although  you  are  quite  welcome  to  know  as  much  about  it 
as  I  do  myself.  I  am  endeavoring  to  establish  a  general 
formula  for  the  trisection  of  an  angle." 

"How  strange  that  is!"  said  Aunt  Frill  learnedly. 
"And  may  I  ask,  kind  sir,"  she  continued,  "what  sort  of 
an  angle  you  propose  to  trisect  ?  " 

As  the  stranger  seemed  puzzled  how  to  answer,  Heron- 
dine  said  : 

"A  geometrical  angle,  aunt,  to  be  sure." 

"I  suppose,"  resumed  Aunt  Frill,  "you  know  pretty 
much  about  everything.  To  what  party  do  you  belong?  " 

"To  no  partyz  madam,'  replied  the  young  man,  with 
spirit. 

"No  party!"  reiterated  Aunt  Frill  in  amazement. 
"  How  can  you  be  so  foolish?  " 

"The  knowledge  I  seek  is  given  by  science,"  returned 
the  stranger.  "To  belong  to  a  political  party  signifies 
that  you  are  bound  hand  and  foot  to  its  requirements  and 
conditions.  I  prefer  freedom." 

"  Now  that  you  mention  it,  that  reminds  me,"  said 
Aunt  Frill,  "  I  intended  to  speak  about  slavery.  What  is 
your  opinion  on  the  question  ?  Do  you  think  the  people 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  93 

of  the  territories  should  be  permitted  to  have  slaves  like 
those  of  the  states?  " 

"  There  should  be  no  slavery  in  the  states  or  territories," 
replied  the  young  man.  "  It  is  a  relic  of  barbaric  ages,  a 
disgrace  to  a  nation  claiming  any  affiliation  with  justice." 

"But  the  Constitution?  How  can  you  reconcile  its 
provisions  with  men's  opinion  ?  " 

"We  do  not  learn  law  from  the  Constitution.  The 
American  citizens  who  framed  it  found  slavery  prevail  as  a 
condition  of  things  which  they  were  unable  to  rectify.  It 
was  introduced  into  this  country  and  fostered  under  the 
care  of  a  foreign  power  until  it  grew  to  such  vast  propor- 
tions that  it  would  be  suicidal  to  the  success  of  the  Ameri- 
can patriots  to  ignore  it.  Hence  it  remained  as  part  of 
our  country's  obligations  when  the  transfer  of  power  was 
made.  The  foreigner  was  driven  out,  but  he  left  after  him 
something  to  be  remembered,  an  ungodly  heirloom,  like  a 
skeleton  in  the  cellar,  capable  of  harrowing  the  feelings  of 
every  individual  in  the  household  when  its  true  nature 
became  known." 

"Isn't  that  cute?"  said  Aunt  Frill,  looking  with  some 
surprise  not  devoid  of  admiration  at  the  young  enthusiast. 

At  this  point,  Herondine,  extending  his  card  to  the  young 
man,  expressed  a  desire  to  see  him  at  his  home  near  Abing- 
don  Square  when  time  permitted.  The  invitation  was 
accepted,  and  while  excusing  himself  for  his  carelessness 
in  not  carrying  cards  he  wrote  his  name  on  a  slip  of  paper 
and  presented  it  to  Herondine.  It  was  handed  round  to 
the  ladies  as  a  means  of  reintroduction,  Aunt  Frill  reading 
it  aloud,  "Rob  Riddleton,  of  Belview." 

"  There  is  one  more  question  I  wish  to  ask,  until  we 
meet  again,"  said  Aunt  Frill.  "Mrs.  Funton  is  troubled 


<J4  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

with  weakness  of  the  stomach.  Indeed,  as  she  herself 
expresses  it,  her  stomach  is  gone  —  totally  collapsed, 
apparently.  Now,  is  there  anything  in  science  that  would 
restore  her  to  perfect  health,  or  must  she  suffer  all  her  life 
from  this  unfortunate  trouble?  " 

"  Let  me  hear  a  history  of  the  case,"  replied  Riddleton, 
"the  symptoms,  for  instance  —  and  you,  Mrs.  Funton," 
he  said  while  glancing  at  her  rotund  figure,  "  please  state 
all  you  know  of  the  complaint.  Speak  at  the  same  time, 
ladies,  to  expedite  matters.  I  can  analyze  both  accounts 
together." 

Then  he  bent  his  gaze  on  the  ground  and  listened  while 
Aunt  Frill  and  Aunt  Funton  dilated  with  rare  circumlocu- 
tion on  the  eccentricity  and  persistence  of  the  disease 
under  consideration.  When  the  ladies  concluded  their 
account,  Rob  Riddleton  said  with  a  smile : 

"  Whenever  you  are  attacked  by  weakness  such  as  here 
described,  if  it  be  at  mealtimes  —  and  I  have  no  doubt  it 
will  —  eat  everything  in  sight." 

"And  you  think  she  may  be  cured?"  queried  Aunt 
Frill. 

"  Unquestionably,"  replied  Rob  with  emphasis. 

"Ah  !  "  said  Mrs.  Funton,  "  how  wonderful  is  science  ! 
This  assurance  of  the  young  man  is  equivalent  to  the  doc- 
tor's diagnosis  word  for  word.  The  weakness  is  not  de- 
nied nor  the  condition  doubted ;  therefore,  my  dear  Frill, 
we  shall  continue  the  beefsteaks  in  the  morning,  to  which 
may  be  added  some  boiled  brook  trout, with  a  variable  diet 
for  lunch  and  dinner,  until  the  cure  is  well  established." 

Herondine  and  Riddleton  became  intimate  friends,  vis- 
iting each  other  frequently  and  discussing  the  difficulties 
of  the  times  for  the  purpose  of  extending  their  knowledge. 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  95 

Alton  B.  soon  understood  the  method  by  which  he  could 
arrive  at  the  truth  of  things ;  namely,  to  examine  each 
case  on  its  merits,  and  judge  logically,  discarding  preju- 
dice and  opinion.  For  this  purpose  he  read  text  books 
on  the  reasoning  process,  guided  by  Rob,  until  he  felt 
the  self-conscious  independence  of  a  scholar.  He  learned, 
too,  the  secret  of  Aunt  Funton's  complaint.  The  weak- 
ness complained  of  was  merely  hunger  promoted  by  a 
sharp  appetite,  a  healthy  indication  if  promptly  met  by 
wholesome  diet. 

Besides  this  success  of  Herondine,  which  must  be  cred- 
ited to  Aunt  Frill's  remarkable  watchfulness,  there  was 
another  item  of  happiness  acquired  through  the  same 
means;  namely,  acquaintance  with  Grace  Finnestare. 
Some  years  before  the  opening  of  our  story,  Judge  Finnes- 
tare and  his  daughter  were  visiting  in  New  York,  and  en  - 
countered  the  young  man  with  the  two  mothers  at  the 
residence  of  mutual  friends.  They  appeared  so  nearly 
alike  in  superior  attainments  as  well  as  physical  aspect  that 
an  attachment  grew  up  between  them  which  culminated  in 
love.  Later  Herondine  proposed  an  engagement  to  Miss 
Finnestare,  which  was  received  favorably  and  accepted. 

Hence,  when  the  rumors  of  war  brought  him  into 
activity  as  an  advocate  of  freedom  to  the  slaves,  his  obli- 
gations to  his  country  stood  heavily  on  the  one  hand,  while 
his  engagement  to  marry  encumbered  the  other.  In  either 
case  he  could  not  escape  from  honorable  duty.  The  men 
of  his  party  saw  he  was  a  competent  agent  to  send  west, 
and  delegated  him  to  spread  the  new  doctrine  on  the  bor- 
der, in  order,  if  possible,  to  counteract  the  vicious  teach- 
ings of  their  enemies.  It  was  a  sore  trial  to  Aunt  Frill 
and  Aunt  Funton  when  Herondine  appeared  ready,  with  a 


96  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

gripsack  in  his  hand,  to  depart  on  his  mission  ;  but  they 
were  reconciled  when  assured  of  his  speedy  return. 

This  was  the  condition  of  his  affairs  when  he  appeared 
in  Omaha,  little  suspecting  the  existence  of  Danderton 
Hitch's  enmity  or  the  danger  that  menaced  him  on 
account  of  his  faithfulness  to  his  early  love.  He  began  at 
once  to  enlist  public  sentiment  in  favor  of  his  party,  whose 
representatives  in  convention  at  Chicago,  May  eighteenth, 
had  nominated  Abraham  Lincoln  for  the  presidency,  and 
whose  platform  contained  a  plank  recommending  the  pro- 
hibition of  slavery  in  the  territories  as  a  preliminary 
provision  of  further  legislation  on  the  subject. 

In  conjunction  with  thousands  of  exemplary  Americans, 
he  was  anxious  to  remove  the  base  stigma  of  cruelty  from 
the  land  of  his  birth,  foisted  on  it  by  an  unscrupulous 
enemy.  For  years  the  voices  and  aspirations  of  the 
humane  people  to  whom  he  belonged  were  suppressed  by 
the  influence  of  the  slave  markets  and  the  arrogant  cry  of 
"  individual  rights  "  from  those  whose  selfishness  demanded 
the  bonded  body  and  soul  of  a  human  being  to  satisfy 
their  thirsfcfor  gain.  Now  the  cruelty  of  war  would  meet 
the  cruelty  of  slavery,  and  render  an  accounting  of  the 
issue  at  the  expense  of  many  a  valuable  life.  Darkness 
would  encounter  darkness  on  the  margin  of  the  abyss 
dividing  truth  from  ignorance ;  and,  when  the  mists  and 
smoke  should  roll  away,  the  light  of  reason  and  of  justice 
would  appear  in  their  stead  to  direct  this  part  of  mankind 
still  further  into  the  unknown  future. 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  97 

CHAPTER  VIIL 

VIEWING    THE    GATHERING    CLOUDS. 

THE  crowd  at  Judge  Finnestare's,  which  heretofore 
assembled  in  that  hospitable  household  for  socia- 
bility and  good-fellowship,  now  sat  closer  together  and 
grew  less  gay  daily  on  account  of  the  serious  condition  of 
the  political  situation  throughout  the  country.  Like  the 
gathering  of  the  clouds  before  a  storm,  whose  movements 
are  silently  performed,  as  if  conscious  of  impending  rup- 
ture, so  the  people  on  the  western  border  of  the  United 
States,  as  well  as  those  in  other  places,  began  to  divide  or 
concentrate  on  the  issues  of  civil  war,  which  the  signs  of 
the  period  foretold  to  a  certainty. 

Since  Herondine's  arrival,  many  persons  besides  regular 
visitors  availed  themselves  of  invitations  and  came  to 
hear  him  speak.  He  seemed  ready  to  answer  all  questions, 
and  denied  no  one  the  information  in  his  possession  on  the 
approaching  crisis.  Generally  his  declaration  was  a  hold- 
ing forth  rather  than  private  conversation.  Notwithstand- 
ing the  popularity  by  which  he  was  surrounded,  his  oppo- 
nents and  enemies  were  numerous,  owing  to  the  stand 
taken  by  him  to  defeat  the  establishment  of  "The  Western 
Gasconader  "  under' the  management  of  Danderton  Hitch, 
and  his  denunciation  of  slavery  in  any  form. 

Bad  feeling  grew  up  between  him  and  Danderton,  not 
only  on  these  grounds,  but  also  on  account  of  the  secret 
adoration  each  entertained  for  Grace  Finnestare,  as  hereto- 
fore mentioned,  the  Eastern  man  knowing  full  well  that  his 
rival  could  not  live  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  lovely  girl 
and  not  regard  her  with  affection.  The  instinct  of  the  two 


98  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

men  became  powerful  factors  in  shaping  their  thoughts  in 
this  direction  ;  and  the  imagination,  adding  its  quota  to  the 
facts,  produced  so  huge  a  cause  that  they  became  noted 
enemies,  whose  hatred  one  for  the  other  admitted  of  no 
compromise.  Nor  did  this  source  of  contention  remain 
long  waiting  for  a  stimulant  from  current  events. 

In  November,  Mr.  Lincoln  was  elected  by  a  popular  vote 
approaching  two  millions,  having  a  good  plurality  over  the 
favored  Democratic  Party  of  the  North,  and  showing  the 
pro-slavery  party  of  the  South,  the  Southern  Democracy,  as 
well  as  the  Know-nothing  Party,  to  be  mere  factions. 
Herondine  heard  the  news  with  delight.  He  boasted  on 
the  street,  in  the  presence  of  a  mixed  congregation  of  poli- 
ticians, that  the  American  people  would  no  longer  be 
classed  as  slave  owners,  and  that  such  of  them  as  hereto- 
fore sought  to  establish  a  reign  of  justice  and  law  would 
now  stand  forth  together  to  receive  the  commendation  they 
deserved  from  the  civilized  world.  They  had  spoken 
through  the  polls  and  proclaimed  their  strength.  Heron- 
dine's  enthusiasm,  as  a  matter  of  course,  only  increased  the 
animosity  of  his  antagonists.  The  defeated  parties  grew 
more  restive,  and  it  was  freely  predicted  that  the  Republi- 
can victory  would  now  more  than  ever  advance  the  chances 
of  war. 

On  the  night  that  his  friends  assembled  to  congratulate 
him  on  the  success  of  his  party,  there  was  a  large  assem- 
blage at  Finnestare's.  The  Judge,  as  host,  appeared  to 
advantage  in  his  faultless  suit  of  blue;  but  there  was  an 
expression  of  care  on  his  countenance,  indicating  how 
deeply  he  felt  the  troubles  gathering  around  him,  which 
threatened  even  the  stability  of  his  home,  and  probably 
the  absorption  of  his  fortune.  He  sat  in  a  high  armchair 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  99 

in  the  northeast  corner  of  the  living  room,  where  every 
one  could  see  him,  and  questioned  Herondine  closely  on 
leading  subjects  as  they  were  introduced. 

Grace  Finnestare  presided  at  the  piano  in  the  early  part 
of  the  evening,  but,  singularly  enough,  as  debate  increased, 
the  music  died  out,  and  she  remained  before  the  instru- 
ment a  silent  listener  rather  than  disturb  the  glow  of 
thought  peculiar  to  the  occasion. 

Madam  Gloriana,  accustomed  to  activity  and  garrulous 
explanations,  folded  her  hands  together  and  gave  a  sigh  of 
resignation  as  she  found  herself  securely  flanked  by  two 
elderly  women,  who  poked  their  elbows  into  her  ribs  alter- 
nately as  some  expression  in  the  discourse  aroused  the 
latent  humor  of  their  souls  to  the  striking  point.  Felice, 
too,  might  be  seen  in  the  passage  leading  to  the  kitchen, 
anxious  to  understand  the  drift  of  the  conversation. 

On  every  face  there  appeared  anxiety;  from  every  tongue 
came  assertions  of  wonder  or  dismay  as  one  part  or  the 
other  of  the  situation  was  contemplated.  Nay,  more;  as 
the  night  grew  dark,  persons  uninvited  collected  on  the 
outside  near  the  front  door,  which  stood  open,  eager  to 
catch  the  news  as  circulated  within.  One  of  these  figures 
standing  in  the  gloom  looked  very  much  like  Danderton 
Hitch,  for  the  night  watchman,  who  was  there  also,  made 
him  out  clearly  to  his  own  satisfaction,  and  wondered  what 
he  was  up  to.  Some  of  Judge  Finnestare' s  questions  tested 
Herondine's  reasoning  powers  to  their  utmost  capacity. 

"Are  not  the  rights  of  an  individual  foremost  of  all 
things  connected  with  human  affairs?  "  he  said. 

"It  is  true,"  responded  Herondine,  "but  in  consider- 
ing the  case  of  master  and  slave  you  should  remember  there 
are  two  individuals,  one  for  whom  the  supreme  rights 


100  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

referred  to  are  claimed  without  reservation,  while  the  other 
has  no  rights  at  all.  Your  proposition,  therefore,  is  merely 
sectional  or  circumscribed." 

"  I  desire  to  remind  you,  my  dear  Alton,"  returned  the 
Judge,  "that  the  case  of  the  master,  or  slave  owner,  was  to 
be  examined  on  its  merits,  separately.  If  individuality 
amounts  to  anything,  it  must  apply  to  him  as  much  as  to 
any  favorite  of  yours.  Inequality  in  condition  must  exist 
among  people  always,  because  it  is  natural.  The  respon- 
sibilities of  some  are  greater  than  others.  The  surround- 
ings, or  environment,  the  laws  of  business,  and  circum- 
stances demand  and  impose  such  distinction." 

"You  are  again  correct,  Judge,"  answered  Herondine. 
"The  standpoint  or  platform  on  which  you  reason  is  good 
enough  as  far  as  it  goes.  In  other  words,  you  have  not 
stated  the  whole  truth,  but  only  a  portion  of  it.  The  slave 
owner  has  undoubtedly  individual  rights  ;  but,  mark  you, 
no  privilege  of  that  kind  should  be  maintained  when  found 
trespassing  on  the  rights  of  others.  This  is  the  great  utility 
of  law,  to  adjudicate  justice  between  man  and  man. 
Should  it  fail  to  accomplish  this  purpose  on  account  of 
circumscribed  design,  it  is  no  longer  law,  but  mere  party 
legislation,  disreputable  and  treacherous,  whose  operation 
should  be  stopped  with  as  much  force  and  interest  as  if  it 
were  a  torrent  of  destruction.  Bear  in  mind  that  the  exe- 
cution of  law  is  not  necessarily  freedom  from  distress. 
Calamity  is  liable  to  strike  any  person,  no  matter  how  well 
fortified  he  may  be  against  it.  This  is  inevitable.  There- 
fore the  slave  owner  is  as  liable  to  suffer  loss  or  hardship 
by  the  laws  introduced  for  the  government  of  individuals 
as  the  slave.  If  people  complain  of  law  because  it  does  not 
make  them  rich  or  happy,  they  should  remember  it  does 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  101 

not  operate  out  of  its  sphere  any  more  than  a  wagon  or  a 
balloon.  Under  the  greatest  law,  life,  there  is  the  hard- 
ship, death,  demonstrating  to  us  clearly  that  our  world 
and  our  conditions  are  subject  to  a  give  and  take  policy 
where  complete  immunity  from  distress  is  impossible. 

"  We  propose  to  give  a  class  of  persons  heretofore  un- 
justly dealt  with,  the  privileges  of  freedom  that  the  higher 
moral  law  would  concede  were  it  in  general  practice  here. 
Should  this  action  produce  stringency  or  loss  to  the  slave 
owner,  justice,  no  doubt,  would  demand  compensation  for 
it ;  but  in  case  such  terms  were  not  acceptable,  then  the 
liberty  of  the  slaves  should  be  proclaimed  anyhow,  because 
the  apparent  injustice  to  the  masters  would  be  trifling  and 
insignificant  side  by  side  with  the  long  array  of  social  hap- 
piness and  improvement  to  be  enjoyed  by  the  colored 
people  set  free.  Besides,  such  legislation  is  in  consort 
with  nature  to  restore  equilibrium  where  disturbances  are 
presented. 

"  Let  it  be  understood,  a  man  with  a  moiety  of  truth  is 
not  so  far  advanced  as  one  with  the  whole  truth,  whatever 
may  be  the  case ;  and  a  part,  compared  with  the  entire,  is 
of  little  use.  It  is  singular  how  many  persons  are  found 
in  this  world  grasping  at  a  little  and  rejecting  much, 
who  select  the  less  good  for  the  greater  and  the  ideal  for 
the  real.  Some  stake  all  hope  on  a  single  idea,  others  in 
the  efficacy  of  an  imperfect  contrivance,  while  hundreds 
go  before  the  country  ventilating  visionary  projects  of 
reform  which  are  branded  false  and  delusive  as  plainly  as 
those  spoken  of  in  the  Apocalypse  who  shall  carry  on  the 
forehead  the  mark  of  the  beast.  In  liberty  we  possess  the 
greater  good  ;  in  charity,  the  greater  virtue.  The  freedom 
of  all  classes  of  mankind  agrees  with  natural  law,  provided 


102  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

the  second  condition  be  fulfilled  of  reconciling  each  class 
and  individual  to  its  proper  position  in  order  that  the 
whole  be  made  harmonious.  This  is  individuality  and 
universality  one  with  the  other.  Nature's  law  requires 
this  strange  condition,  and  mankind  must  follow  or  fail. 
If  men  persist  in  attempting  to  rule  the  business  world  and 
society  by  mere  opinions,  regardless  of  imperishable  law, 
the  fabric  of  the  human  race  will  fall  into  chaos  and  finally 
produce  total  extinction. 

"  The  harmony  of  parts  produces  beauty  ;  the  harmony 
of  sounds,  music.  Men  who  speak  for  the  individual  alone 
and  demand  legislation  in  his  interests  are  only  half- 
way right.  If  the  relationship  of  other  individuals  be 
denied  and  the  prosperity  of  the  country  at  large  ignored 
or  abused,  the  plan  of  nature  is  broken,  the  conditions 
have  not  been  fulfilled,  and  disappointment  and  discontent 
must  be  the  inevitable  result. 

"  Men  of  themselves  can  make  no  law ;  they  only  define 
it,  like  a  sculptor  who  hews  a  statue  from  the  block.  We 
are  afflicted  at  present  with  ignorant  opinions  run  riot  over 
questions  of  right  and  wrong  which  threaten  disruption  to 
the  nation  and  a  blockade  of  republican  institutions.  You 
must  urge  what  I  have  outlined  in  this  speech  —  the  sub- 
mission of  individuals  to  the  will  of  the  majority  —  until 
the  truth  becomes  apparent.  Our  opponents  may  precipi- 
tate war  on  the  pretense  that  the  rights  of  the  individual 
have  been  disregarded,  but  in  meeting  them  we  hope  to  be 
animated  with  the  consciousness  of  being  on  the  side  of 
sound  principle  held  sacred  in  the  trust  of  the  supreme 
powers  that  control  the  destinies  of  nations." 

Judge  Finnestare  made  no  reply  to  this  statement  of  his 
prospective  son-in-law.  The  features  of  the  company 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  103 

present  told  of  the  awe  by  which  they  were  inspired, 
and  the  old  man  sought  not  to  induce  further  discussion 
on  a  subject  that  called  forth  such  fearful  possibilities  as 
fratricidal  war  and  its  consequences.  The  conversation, 
however,  became  general,  as  is  usually  the  case  where  the 
opinions  of  a  miscellaneous  gathering  of  people  are  tem- 
porarily suspended  in  favor  of  a  person  of  superior  attain- 
ments. 

Madam  Gloriana  heard  with  the  deepest  concern  what 
the  two  elderly  women  near  her  had  to  say  on  oratory  in 
general  and  of  some  shining  lights  of  their  respective  fam- 
ilies in  particular  —  how  "Jim,"  the  husband  of  one,  and 
"Ned,"  the  husband  of  the  other,  exceeded  all  men  as 
linguists,  especially  when  under  excitement  or  with  a  little 
drink  aboard,  and  would  have  astonished  the  world  at 
large  if  it  had  not  been  for  accident  which  kept  them  back 
and  turned  themselves  and  their  talents  into  unfortunate 
channels,  where  they  were  now  found. 

Following  the  example  of  others,  Herondine  led  Grace 
Finnestare  to  a  seat  near  her  father,  and  the  three  ex- 
changed ideas  in  low  tones  on  future  arrangements  and 
anticipated  events.  Figuratively  speaking,  they  scanned 
the  gathering  clouds  of  war  as  they  approached  realization, 
and  shuddered  at  the  ordeal  through  which  they  must 
necessarily  pass  before  the  coming  of  peace  again. 

The  young  man  could  not  help  debating  with  himself  if 
it  were  really  just  to  marry  his  affianced  at  this  time,  for 
personally  he  must  live  up  to  the  expectations  of  his  polit- 
ical friends  and  quit  his  home  for  the  field  when  necessary. 
On  this  account  he  revealed  to  Grace  Finnestare  and  her 
father  all  his  plans  and  obligations,  all  his  feelings  of  love 
for  her  and  his  country,  and  awaited  her  decision.  When 


104  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

this  decision  came,  it  was  characteristic  of  the  faithfulness 
of  womankind  as  a  rule  and  of  the  patriotism  of  the 
American  girl.  She  would  leave  her  home,  she  said,  and 
follow  him  to  the  field,  or  wait  and  work  until  his  return. 

Then  the  auspicious  day  of  their  marriage  was  named  — 
December  twentieth  —  with  preliminary  arrangements  fur 
the  occasion  settled,  amid  thoughts  of  earthly  happiness 
and  forebodings  of  evil.  It  was  also  determined  that  Judge 
Finnestare  would  dispose  of  his  property  and  banking 
interests  in  Omaha  so  as  to  move  into  Herondine's  New 
York  home,  where,  with  his  daughter  and  the  two  aunts, 
besides  Madam  Gloriana  and  Felice,  who  would  accompany 
them,  he  would  be  as  carefully  tended  as  ever  before,  and 
the  last  years  of  his  life  comforted  by  their  presence. 

When  the  serious  part  of  the  business  was  concluded, 
Herondine  announced  to  Grace  and  her  father  that  he  had 
received  a  letter  from  Aunt  Frill  which  he  would  read  for 
their  entertainment,  or  such  portions  of  it  as  deserved 
notice. 

"Alton  dear,"  she  wrote,  "we  elected  Lincoln.  He 
wasn't  my  choice  from  the  start,  because  I  went  my  pile 
on  Douglas,  as  you  are  aware ;  nor  was  he  the  man  Aunt 
Funton  was  hankering  after,  bein'  so  much  taken  up  with 
Constitutional  Union  ;  but,  as  I  said  before,  we  elected 
Lincoln  for  all  that  was  out.  We  knew  it  would  please  you, 
for  you  were  dead  stuck'  after  him  and  would  bet  your 
bottom  dollar  to  win. 

"  Since  the  time  we  met  that  Riddleton  young  man  in 
Union  Square,  it  was  plain  to  my  mind  you  would  drop 
common  sense  and  catch  on  to  science,  whether  it  was 
south,  west,  or  crooked. 

"  I  gave  Aunt  Funton  a  piece  of  my  mind  about  it  pri- 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  105 

vately,  telling  her  it  might  be  the  ruin  of  you,  just  as  much 
as  if  you  went  into  spiritualism  or  the  scow  business,  but 
she  wisely  answered  that  in  such  cases  there  was  no  remedy 
worth  a  picayune.  Aunt  Funton  is  clear-sighted ;  there's 
no  backing  out  of  that. 

"  It  is  rumored  the  pro-slavery  people  are  going  to  hold 
a  barbecue  in  Washington  about  next  Christmas.  We 
don't  know  how  true  it  is.  Do  you?  If  you  attend  (but 
of  course  not),  send  us  notice,  and  we'll  be  happy  to  recip- 
rocate and  thank  you  all  the  same.  It  is  only  right  that 
such  should  be  recognized. 

"Now,  about  the  suggestion  to  attend  your  wedding 
when  we  get  word  of  the  time :  we  have  considered  it. 
You  are  good  to  think  of  your  old  aunts  in  the  emergency, 
but  in  consultation  it  was  decided  unwise  to  travel  all  that 
distance  while  Aunt  Funton  is  feeling  ill.  The  complaint 
of  her  stomach  comes  on  at  periods  about  the  dinner  hour, 
and  if  it  were  not  that  I  had  the  proper  remedy  always 
ready  at  hand — generally  beefsteak  or  prime  roast  —  I  do 
not  know  what  actually  would  happen.  So  we'll  postpone 
it.  I  may  say,  however,  she  is  quite  well  otherwise,  and 
tips  the  beam  at  one  sixty-nine  three-quarters,  which  is 
quite  encouraging  for  a  delicate  woman. ' ' 

After  the  reading  of  Aunt  Frill's  letter  the  discussion  of 
minor  details  was  continued  until  the  company  began  to 
move  away.  Among  the  first  to  depart  from  the  outside  was 
Danderton  Hitch.  He  had  heard  Herondine's  speech, 
and  it  evolved  new  ideas  in  his  mind.  His  hatred  of  the 
young  man  increased  on  being  convinced  that  he  was  a 
person  of  ability,  commanding  the  respect  of  his  audiences, 
and,  as  a  matter  of  course,  endearing  himself  still  further 
to  the  heart  of  Grace  Finnestare. 


106  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

Danderton's  measure  of  revenge  was  not  full.  The 
doubtful  conditions  defined  by  his  father  regarding  Whif- 
ton's  method  of  procuring  dynamite  seemed  unsatisfactory. 
The  plan  might  fail  and  the  bird  escape.  If  war  was  inev- 
itable, the  general  disturbance  accompanying  it  would  aid 
him  in  his  purpose  to  slay  Herondine. 

This  Eastern  emissary,  proud  of  his  knowledge  and 
confident  of  success,  must  fall  ingloriously.  He,  Dander- 
ton,  would  see  to  that  much  single-handed.  There  need  be 
no  such  explosion  as  that  suggested  by  his  father,  which,  if 
promoted,  would  cause  widespread  consternation  and  com- 
ment. The  work  must  be  done  without  noise  and  in  the 
dark  —  conditions  favorable  to  escape.  Under  this  feature 
of  the  case,  it  was  not  necessary  to  consider  mitigating 
circumstances.  The  act  should  be  thorough  and  fiendish, 
with  a  record  only  of  a  dead  man  and  an  undiscovered 
assassin.  On  the  night  of  Herondine's  marriage,  while 
sauntering  on  the  porch,  Danderton  would  stab  him  in  the 
back  without  fear  of  detection.  Then,  afterwards,  he 
would  watch  the  fate  of  Grace  Finnestare,  and,  if  chance 
offered,  marry  her  when  her  protectors  had  disappeared 
and  all  her  hopes  of  happiness  were  dead  ! 

These  ideas  originated  with  him  as  he  sought  repose  on 
that  night,  and  during  the  days  intervening  between  it  and 
the  twentieth  of  December  he  revolved  the  plot  in  his 
mind.  His  morbid  nature  fed  upon  the  outlook  as  some- 
thing necessary  for  its  condition,  and  it  grew  in  strength 
and  importance  until  it  seemed  a  substantial  reality  that 
could  not  fail  of  accomplishment. 

In  the  meantime,  Crow  Whifton,  in  his  lone  dwelling  at 
the  crossroads,  had  little  suspicion  of  the  actual  approach 
of  war.  Relying  on  the  information  or  opinions  of  the 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  107 

night  watchman,  he  believed  that,  at  most,  the  contending 
parties  would  settle  the  difficulty  by  arbitration.  The 
conduct  of  Hamilton  Hitch,  however,  entered  largely  into 
his  thoughts,  and  filled  the  entire  field  of  his  imagination 
with  a  combination  of  pain  and  pleasure,  like  a  landscape 
over  which  drift  light  clouds  and  sunshine  on  a  lovely  day. 

Owing  to  the  persistence  of  this  train  of  thinking,  the 
man  became  his  ideal  companion  whose  presence  could  not 
be  shut  out  from  the  memory.  This  strange  individual 
was  not  only  the  skeleton  behind  the  door  in  Whifton's 
antique  room,  but  the  guest  at  his  table,  the  visitor  at  the 
fireside,  and  the  spirit  of  his  mental  vision  in  the  darkness 
before  he  slept.  He  could  not  reconcile  with  his  doubts 
and  misgivings  of  the  man  the  insinuating  manner,  the 
friendly  smile,  the  liberality  and  benevolent  acts  associated 
with  him.  There  was  something  unfathomable  in  his 
nature  which  tended  to  darken  the  brightness  that  a  clear 
conscience  heretofore  sustained  around  the  little  trader  in 
trifles,  and  caused  a  painful  sensation  at  his  heart,  occasion- 
ally, as  great  almost  as  the  recollection  of  his  unrequited 
love. 

The  starting  point  of  this  trouble  came  from  the  incident 
before  recorded,  where  Hamilton  Hitch  requests  Whifton 
to  conceal  a  crime  to  save  a  criminal,  and  makes  the  obli- 
gation deep  and  lasting  by  giving  a  bribe  to  seal  the  com- 
pact. Whenever  Whifton  thought  of  Hamilton  Hitch  as 
a  gentleman,  a  good  fellow,  or  a  genial  acquaintance,  the 
little  man  invariably  went  back  to  this  circumstance  as  if 
forced  to  do  so  by  an  unseen  agent.  This  tampering  with 
the  mysterious  continued  almost  without  intermission  from 
the  time  of  the  event  until  now,  when  we  see  him  calculat- 
ing on  the  chances  of  success  or  failure  as  others  do,  and 


108  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

viewing  the  clouds  of  distress  or  discontent  as  they  ap- 
peared to  accumulate  above  his  head  with  the  near  approach 
of  winter. 

Doing  his  best  to  avoid  consideration  of  it,  he  ended  by 
permitting  its  full  force  to  play  with  his  intellect  and  bind 
his  will  to  the  subtle  influence  which  it  displayed.  Free 
to  all  appearances,  he  was,  nevertheless,  bound  even  to 
more  than  this  irrevocably  as  if  chained  to  a  rock.  The 
very  thought  of  filing  charges  against  Hitch  shocked  him. 
He  felt  that  the  dark  power  in  league  with  the  man  could 
be  brought  into  action  with  impunity  and  destroy  his 
existence  with  the  unerring  certainty  of  a  bullet  in  his 
heart.  Besides,  he  felt  an  inward  loss  of  courage  or  pur- 
pose which  could  not  be  overcome. 

The  advent  of  this  condition  was  slow,  but,  when  fully 
developed,  there  was  no  doubt  regarding  its  significance. 
At  first  the  pursuit  of  the  theme  brought  to  his  mind  the 
idea  that  he  himself  had  committed  an  error,  and  then 
that  it  was  a  crime.  Originally  a  minute  thing,  it  now 
assumed  immense  proportions,  like  the  inflation  of  a  bal- 
loon. From  doubts  of  the  integrity  of  Hamilton  Hitch, 
Whifton  turned  upon  himself.  He  had  not  forgotten  he 
aspired  to  be  a  judge,  and  here  was  a  case  that  could  test 
his  ability. 

"Whifton,"  he  said,  "  answer  the  court,  are  you  guilty 
or  not?" 

"Not  guilty,  your  honor;  it  is  really  so,"  he  replied. 
"  There  was  no  criminal  intention  at  the  time  the  act  was 
committed,  which  exonerates  me  to  some  extent.  Other 
motives  prevailed,  such  as  personal  safety,  profit,  and  loss; 
but  I  agree  that  after  due  deliberation  there  was  guilt  in 
retaining  the  bribe." 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  109 

"  What  have  you  to  say,  sir,"  continued  Whifton,  ques- 
tioning himself,  "  about  the  growth,  or  multiplication,  of 
small  offenses  :  their  liability  to  lead  into  serious  or  great 
crimes?  " 

"I  plead  extenuating  circumstances,  your  honor,  and 
ask  for  a  stay  of  proceedings." 

"  On  what  grounds?  " 

"Repentance,  your  honor,  which  is  equivalent  to  the 
punishment  or  restitution  required  by  the  civil  law.  I 
repent,  and  assure  the  court  I  shall  never  again  be  found 
perpetrating  such  wrong." 

"Ah!  but,"  said  the  court  severely,  "mark  what  fol- 
lows your  weak-kneed  policy.  Hamilton  Hitch  negotiated 
the  purchase  of  dynamite  through  you,  ostensibly  for  scien- 
tific purposes,  but  who  could  tell  if  this  statement,  or 
declaration,  was  true.  The  pursuits  and  public  character 
of  Danderton,  his  son,  would  not  point  to  any  such  belief 
—  quite  the  contrary.  Now,  if,  when  received,  the  dyna- 
mite should  be  used  not  for  scientific  purposes,  but  to 
destroy  life  and  property,  your  resolution  would  be  of 
little  avail;  and  the  first  step  in  crime,  of  which  you 
repent,  would  be  advanced  to  a  stage  where  criminality 
on  a  large  scale  could  not  be  denied.  You  should  eradi- 
cate the  first  cause  if  you  meant  to  be  really  and  truly  just." 

"  The  court  has  wise  discernment;  it  is  really  so,"  said 
Whifton  gravely;  "but  I  have  not  sufficient  power  to 
institute  proceedings  against  a  man  where  there  is  so 
much  doubt.  Anyway,  I  shall  keep  the  secret  and  take 
the  risks." 

"You  are  tempting  fate  to  call  forth  disaster  which 
could  have  been  easily  averted  by  disclosure." 

"  I  judge  for  myself  to  the  best  of  my  ability." 


110  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

' '  It  may  be  false.  Suppose  the  dynamite  procured  by 
you  should  be  employed  against  Grace  Finnestare?  " 

Whifton  groaned.  He  stood  up,  and,  glancing  through 
the  window,  pointed  to  an  old  tree  which  appeared  in  the 
plain  some  distance  from  the  house. 

"  If  it  please  the  court,  the  penalty  would  be  paid  there" 
he  said;  but  it  did  not  transpire  whether  he  meant  that 
Hitch  or  himself  would  be  hanged  on  the  tree. 

"We  perceive,"  resumed  the  court,  "you  have  been 
overshadowed  by  a  mysterious  power,  an  evil  one,  at  the 
command  of  the  individual.  You  have  been  bound  to 
play  a  neutral  part,  while  he  has  gone  forth  free  to  prosecute 
his  nefarious  principles.  In  your  heart  you  are  guiltless, 
yet  you  hold  the  gist  of  a  secret  which  may  one  day  lead  to 
disaster  and  death.  Your  case  resembles  that  of  a  spirit 
suspended  between  heaven  and  the  abode  of  darkness. 
You  are  neither  up  nor  down,  this  way  nor  that  way. 
Now  listen ;  I  shall  define  your  position,  clearly,  for  the 
information  of  thousands  of  other  persons  similarly  situ- 
ated. You  are  In  the  Depths  of  the  First  Degree  of  crime, 
but  so  imperfectly  implicated  as  to  escape  detection. 
Should  you  advance  with  other  acts  of  a  like  nature,  your 
career  would  never  change  its  criminal  course  until  warned 
by  some  well-timed  accident  or  punishment  in  the  hands 
of  the  law.  You  have  decided  wisely  to  stop  and  take 
chances  whether  your  original  trespass  on  morality  will  die 
or  yield  a  much  greater  crime.  Let  us  hope  you  may 
escape.  While  this  impending  trouble  is  suspended  above 
your  head,  you  must  remain  in  the  depths  of  the  first  de- 
gree, where  innocence  loses  the  charm  of  its  glory  in  ex- 
change for  degradation,  and  virtue  hides  her  head  in 
shame ;  where  victory  is  checked,  freedom  compromised, 


TffE  FIRST  DEGREE.  Ill 

and  the  gifts  of  God  to  man  sullied  so  as  to  appear  incon- 
sistent with  the  power  and  greatness  of  Him  who  gave 
them." 

Whifton  bowed  his  head  as  if  saluting  the  decision  of 
the  court.  Other  men  feared  the  rumors  of  war,  but  he 
dreaded  more  than  anything  else  the  coming  of  the  dyna- 
mite ;  and,  behold,  the  time  was  at  hand  ! 


CHAPTER  IX. 

THE    RECORD    BROKEN. 

HERONDINE'S  wedding  day  was  typical  of  the 
period,  having  brightness  and  gloom  alternating. 
The  air  was  keen  with  frost,  the  ground  hard,  and  far 
above  in  the  sky  small  clouds  congregated  as  if  preparing 
to  descend  in  snow.  Public  traffic  on  the  streets  had 
become  visibly  less,  as  was  usually  the  case  at  that  time 
of  the  year;  and  many  people  were  content  to  remain 
inactive  during  the  absence  of  business  until  the  opening 
of  spring.  There  seemed  to  be  an  ominous  silence  abroad 
portending  the  coming  of  some  momentous  disaster. 

It  had  been  arranged  that  Herondine  and  Grace  Fin- 
nestare  would  be  married  in  her  father's  home  when  the 
lights  were  set  in  the  evening,  and  the  guests  assembled  to 
witness  the  ceremony  and  participate  in  the  festivities. 
The  good  old-fashioned  way  of  having  a  sumptuous  supper 
was  to  be  observed,  with  the  bride  and  groom  seated  in 
their  proper  places  at  the  table,  followed  by  toasts,  singing, 
and  dancing.  In  connection  with  this  program,  it  may  be 
said  Madam  Gloriana  never  appeared  to  greater  advan- 


112  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

tage  than  on  this  occasion  when  the  persons  invited 
appeared  upon  the  scene  and  saw  her  handiwork  displayed 
in  the  decorations  and  general  management  of  the  festival. 
It  was  superb. 

At  the  time  appointed,  Herondine  entered  the  large 
living  room  from  the  east  side,  while  Grace  Finnestare 
came  from  the  west.  Both  were  accompanied  by  a  train 
of  attendants.  The  two  groups  stood  beneath  a  canopy  of 
blue  silk,  whose  supports  and  fringes  were  decorated  with 
delicate  winter  flowers  and  strings  of  creepers.  Besides 
the  brilliant  display  of  lights  and  colors,  the  place  was  full 
of  perfume. 

Judge  Finnestare,  entering,  advanced  and  gave  away  his 
daughter  without  any  perceptible  emotion,  so  much  did  he 
confide  in  and  reverence  the  character  of  his  future  son-in- 
law.  Then  the  ceremony  proceeded  and  the  words  neces- 
sary to  make  the  couple  husband  and  wife  were  pronounced, 
followed  by  the  most  sincere  and  hearty  congratulations 
ever  offered  anyone  in  that  district. 

Some  of  the  leading  people  of  the  company,  turning 
from  the  happy  bride  and  groom,  bent  their  heads  in  the 
direction  of  the  dining  room,  where  the  next  most  desir- 
able performance  would  be  enacted ;  but  at  this  point 
their  progress  was  temporarily  arrested  by  a  noise  coming 
from  the  city  which  resembled  a  public  commotion  in  the 
streets  instigated  by  incidents  or  news  of  an  unusual  char- 
acter. Every  one  stood  still  and  listened.  The  loud 
shouting  of  a  multitude  of  people  could  be  distinctly  heard, 
supplemented  by  hoarse  calls,  the  clattering  of  horses' 
hoofs  on  the  hard  road,  the  quick  footsteps  on  the  pave- 
ment, the  buzz  of  general  conversation,  and  occasionally 
the  report  of  a  pistol  or  shotgun  discharged  in  the  air. 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  113 

Herondine  stood  motionless  with  his  bride,  hand  in 
hand.  A  painter  would  have  seized  the  situation  to  delin- 
eate a  picture  where  awe  overspread  the  features  of  two 
beautiful  persons  in  the  climax  of  their  happiness.  They 
had  reached  the  heights  of  bliss,  and  lo,  tribulation  sud- 
denly appeared  in  the  valley  following  their  footsteps. 
One  of  the  guests  stepping  into  the  street  returned  soon 
afterwards  with  the  important  news. 

"  South  Carolina  has  seceded  from  the  Union  !  A  con- 
vention authorized  by  the  state  legislature  adopted  find 
promulgated  an  ordinance  of  secession  this  very  day. 
The  news  came  in  by  telegraph." 

No  one  in  the  party  understood  the  significance  of  this 
announcement  better  than  Herondine.  He  knew  it  indi- 
cated not  merely  obstruction  to  republican  advancement 
but  a  partial  cancellation  of  the  work  performed  by  his 
forefathers,  who  fought  and  died  for  the  political  liberty, 
such  as  it  was,  which  America  enjoyed. 

Lest  his  abstraction  should  incommode  the  company 
in  any  way,  Herondine,  taking  the  bride  on  his  arm,  led 
the  way  to  the  dining  room,  where  discussion  of  the  news 
became  secondary  to  the  admiration  for,  and  enjoyment 
of,  the  viands  so  lavishly  spread  on  the  tables.  Indeed, 
many  persons  seemed  to  regard  it  as  of  little  importance, 
and  settled  the  question  of  secession  in  South  Carolina  for 
themselves  by  saying,  "  Let  her  go.  What's  the  odds, 
anyhow?  "  Herondine  did  not  coincide  with  these  opin- 
ions. While  at  supper  he  dilated  on  the  subject  at  some 
length  to  his  wife. 

"This  act  of  South  Carolina,"  he  said,  "cannot  be 
maintained  on  legal  grounds.  Separation,  or  secession,  of 
one  state  from  the  others,  to  be  lawful  must  be  agreeable 


114  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

to  all.  The  law  of  the  case  could  have  been  enunciated 
by  a  child  learning  its  first  lessons  in  reasoning,  so  simple 
is  it.  The  original  design  on  which  the  Constitution  and 
existence  of  the  United  States  have  been  founded  is  the 
universal  law  before  mentioned,  where  the  individual 
liberty  of  a  state,  in  harmony  with  the  general  interests  of 
the  others,  unite  in  consolidating  and  perpetuating  a  great 
nation  endowed  with  facilities  for  the  maintenance  of 
peace  and  prosperity  among  the  children  of  mankind. 
The  idea  was  probably  borrowed  from  old  Rome,  although 
in  the  operations  of  nature  there  is  nothing  so  clearly 
defined  as  this  contrivance.  Hence  we  must  hold  the  law- 
sacred,  for  upon  it  depends  the  stability  of  our  national 
existence.  Rome  fell  because  she  swerved  from  its  observ- 
ance, led  by  ambitious  men;  but  if  we  come  to  such  a 
fate,  it  shall  be  when  our  citizens  are  too  ignorant  to 
reason  and  too  perverse  to  be  obedient  to  the  law.  There 
are  not  yet  many  indications  that  such  a  period  is  ap- 
proaching." 

While  the  company  was  at  the  height  of  enjoyment, 
Herondine  walked  into  the  night  alone  to  ascertain  if  there 
were  any  serious  troubles  abroad.  In  his  opinion,  any- 
thing might  happen,  from  the  shooting  of  an  individual  to 
open  rebellion.  The  noises  in  the  town,  however,  were  no 
longer  heard.  The  atmosphere  was  cold  and  the  darkness 
impenetrable.  Silence  happily  reigned  conjointly  with  it 
above  the  scene.  Now,  if  his  archenemy,  Danderton  Hitch, 
happened  to  be  near,  his  opportunity  had  come.  No  one 
would  witness  the  deathblow.  How  Herondine  waited  as 
if  actually  tempting  fate  and  placing  his  life  at  the  mercy 
of  the  foe,  but,  as  the  reader  is  aware,  all  unconscious  of 
danger  !  He  listened  ;  there  was  no  sound  :  he  moved  ; 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  115 

there  responded  no  pursuing  footstep,  Finally  he  returned 
to  the  dining  room. 

Where  was  Danderton  ? 

There  were  cogent  reasons  why  he  did  not  appear  on 
this  occasion.  The  necessary  preparations  had  been  made 
by  him,  as  before  sketched.  His  dress  was  tight  fitting, 
confined  at  the  waist  by  a  belt  so  that  no  loose  clothing 
should  obstruct  his  movements.  Even  the  point  of  the 
dagger  he  intended  using  was  carefully  examined,  and  he 
sat  in  the  front  apartment  of  his  home  looking  out  at  the 
gathering  twilight,  ready  for  action.  His  father  was 
closeted  in  his  private  room  upstairs,  where  he  spent  most 
of  his  time  studying  devices  which  harmonized  with  his 
thoughts  and  applied  to  some  ulterior  design  against  the 
well-being  of  society.  It  was  at  this  time  the  news  of  se- 
cession was  given  out  in  front  of  the  telegraph  office  and 
caused  such  widespread  consternation  afterwards  among 
the  citizens. 

Like  worms  frightened  out  of  their  beds  by  a  thunder- 
storm, father  and  son  rushed  simultaneously  to  the  front 
door.  Danderton,  promising  to  return  in  a  short  time, 
bounded  over  the  nearest  way  to  the  center  of  the  city, 
intent  on  ascertaining  the  cause  of  the  trouble.  He  was 
not  long  absent.  When  he  came  in  and  went  into  secret 
conference  with  his  father,  the  joy  that  filled  his  soul  de- 
prived him  of  intelligent  speech.  Seizing  the  man's  hand, 
he  babbled  something  like  gibberish. 

They  had  come  to  the  identical  place  and  situation 
where,  on  a  former  occasion,  it  was  decided  that  Heron- 
dine  must  die  on  the  night  of  his  marriage.  The  father 
waited  with  a  grim  smile  over  his  features.  Presently 
Danderton  was  able  to  say  : 


110  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

"They  got  it  in  the  neck  this  time,  good.  Secesh  is 
here.  South  Carolina  is  free  !  " 

«  The  d !  "  said  Hamilton  Hitch,  tersely. 

Then,  as  the  significance  of  the  news  came  upon  him  like 
the  reappearance  of  a  dissolving  view,  his  enthusiasm  rose 
to  fever  heat.  He  grew  wild  and  dramatic,  walking  hur- 
riedly around  the  apartment  with  clenched  hands  and 
occasionally  breaking  into  laughter.  His  conduct  was 
plainly  diabolical;  if  not  idiotic. 

"  See  here  !  "  he  said  to  Danderton,  spasmodically  point- 
ing his  finger  at  his  son's  face.  "  That  cancels  everything. 
Our  small  plans  must  come  to  a  standstill.  Now  is  the 
beginning ;  because  there  is  a  country  we  can  call  home, 
and  my  old  record  can  be  broken  to  pieces,  with  the  pros- 
pect that  it  never  will  be  renewed." 

"It  is  away  up,"  remarked  the  son,  "but,  dad,  what 
are  you  going  to  do  ?  " 

"Vamoose  the  territory.  Clear  out  while  our  enemies 
are  dumfounded  by  the  news." 

"You  ain't  going  tonight,  are  you?  " 

"Ain't  I,  though?  Why  not?  Every  man  likes  to 
escape  from  prison  when  he  can.  You  do  not  know  what 
it  is  to  have  shackles  on  your  ankles  and  wrists,  or  to  be  a 
suspect  that  dreads  the  coming  of  daylight.  Once  in  a 
while  a  bad  man  gets  in  his  big  licks ;  luck  strikes  him  like 
a  shot.  It  is  our  turn  now.  I  have  been  patient  under 
the  burden  of  vile  surveillance,  because  there  was  no  help 
for  it ;  but  now  I  can  pitch  the  record  to  the  winds  and 
free  myself  by  a  little  caution  and  the  run  of  a  few  days." 

"  Do  you  forget  that  this  was  Herondine's  night?  "  said 
Danderton,  lowering  his  voice. 

"Naw,"  answered  the  father,  derisively.     "  Herondine 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  117 

and  all  his  truck  ain't  a  drop  in  the  bucket  compared 
with  the  golden  opportunity  now  offered  me  for  escape. 
Such  a  chance  occurs  only  once  in  a  lifetime ;  therefore 
leave  him  alone.  He'll  turn  up  again.  On  the  peril  of 
your  life,  don't  touch  him  !  Do  not  approach  the  house 
where  he  is  or  be  seen  in  the  vicinity,  lest  my  course 
should  be  blockaded.  I  want  obedience  to  this  injunction 
observed  with  greater  care  than  anything  I  have  ever 
spoken. ' ' 

In  what  a  singular  way  just  men  are  sometimes  preserved 
from  violence  !  Here  was  Herondine,  who  had  been  con- 
demned to  death  by  Danderton  and  his  father,  now  as  safe 
and  sound  as  if  guarded  by  a  hundred  deputy  sheriffs,  and 
the  two  would-be  assassins,  as  bloodthirsty  as  ever  and 
with  as  many  facilities  to  carry  their  vile  scheme  into  exe- 
cution as  before,  yet  powerless  to  act.  Some  would  say 
it  was  due  to  a  special  providence.  Let  it  appear  so.  It 
was  due  to  law — to  the  one  giving  the  larger  share  prece- 
dence over  the  less,  and  endowing  the  greater  incident 
with  power  to  control  the  minor  ones  so  as  to  claim  most 
attention  and  precipitate  itself  through  the  sphere  of  its 
existence  in  its  true  character.  Advancing  to  the  window, 
the  father  threw  up  the  sash  and  continued  : 

"Look  !  the  night  is  actually  as  thick  as  mud,  as  if  to 
favor  me.  It  will  not  be  fooled.  I'll  take  the  chance. 
Besides,  I  would  have  you  to  know,  we  can  make  our  own 
terms  with  the  new  government  in  the  South  and  get  any- 
thing we  have  a  mind  to.  There  is  a  great  prospect  for  us ; 
we'll  be  in  it  this  time.  Now,  while  I  go  forward  at  once 
in  the  darkness,  you  follow  at  early  dawn.  Our  destina- 
tion is  Charleston." 

"And  the  property  here?  "  inquired  the  son. 


118  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

"  Biles,  the  real  estate  man,  will  take  care  of  it.  He  has 
my  instructions  and  knows  what  I  want.  Biles  is  a  careful 
thinker,  and  works  closely.  We  can  depend  on  him.  He 
may  rent  the  house  for  a  while,  and  then  sell  the  entire 
property.  I  shall  invest  the  money  in  the  bonds  which, 
no  doubt,  will  be  issued  by  the  Southern  government  for 
the  purpose  of  meeting  expenses;  and  we,  in  this  way, 
may  become  creditors  of  it  and  persons  of  consequence." 

This  glowing  account  of  the  father  inoculated  the  mind 
of  the  son  with  visions  of  future  greatness,  and  reconciled 
him  to  the  failure  of  his  plot  against  Herondine.  Both 
men  began  preparations  for  departure.  As  it  was  early  in 
the  night,  the  father  could  easily  clear  the  city  and  suburbs 
without  exciting  suspicion  or  even  curiosity.  He  could 
procure  a  good  mount  for  a  trifle  from  one  of  the  stable 
men,  who  was  a  friend  of  his,  and,  like  Whifton,  in  the 
depths  of  the  first  degree.  He  held  a  secret  in  trust,  and 
was  faithful.  Hamilton  Hitch  had  many  such  friends. 
In  an  ordinary  emergency  they  were  useful,  but  on  the 
present  occasion  invaluable. 

It  did  not  take  the  old  man  much  time  to  get  ready.  A 
money  belt  round  the  waist  and  a  brace  of  pistols  in  his 
hip  pockets  were  the  only  additions  made  to  his  everyday 
apparel.  With  the  caution  peculiar  to  his  former  trade,  he 
slunk  to  the  back  door  and  peered  into  the  prospect  be- 
yond, lest  there  should  be  any  person  there  watching  for 
his  exit.  As  he  became  satisfied  that  the  place  was  unin- 
cumbered  by  the  presence  of  a  detective,  he  motioned  to 
Danderton  a  farewell  and  disappeared. 

A  few  hours  afterwards  some  farmers  returning  from 
Omaha  to  their  homes  on  the  Iowa  side  of  the  Missouri 
River  were  overtaken  and  passed  rapidly  by  a  solitary 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  119 

horseman  unknown  to  them.  To  their  salutation  he 
answered  not  a  word  or  gesture ;  but  appeared  to  bend 
with  greater  eagerness  than  before  over  the  animal's  mane, 
urging  him,  no  doubt,  to  quicker  speed.  The  direction  of 
his  course  was  southeast,  and  the  clatter  of  his  horse's 
hoofs  was  heard  long  after  he  had  disappeared  from  view. 

Danderton  took  greater  pains  with  the  event  of  his 
departure.  The  trunks  intended  to  be  sent  after  him  as 
freight,  with  personal  effects,  were  examined  and  brought 
together  so  as  to  facilitate  their  transit  when  Biles's  mes- 
sengers came  to  handle  them.  Like  his  father,  he  seemed 
to  ignore  the  necessity  of  baggage,  for  a  gripsack,  a  money 
belt,  and  a  revolver  were  the  only  articles  he  designed  to 
carry  or  own  on  his  intended  journey.  After  a  few  hours' 
uneasy  rest  he  donned  his  best  clothes,  left  the  house  by 
the  front  door,  and  dropped  into  a  restaurant  adjoining 
the  stage  office,  where,  when  breakfast  was  concluded,  he 
left  messages  for  his  agent  with  the  proprietor  of  the  place. 
Then,  about  the  time  the  dancers  at  Herondine's  wedding 
were  going  home  from  Finnestare's  with  the  impression 
that  there  was  at  least  one  happy  couple  in  the  territory, 
Danderton  entered  the  first  outgoing  stage,  sank  heavily 
into  a  corner  seat,  and  with  melancholy  aspect  saw  familiar 
objects  pass  him  in  review  as  if  for  the  last  time;  while  the 
cumbersome  vehicle,  oscillating  in  the  air,  proceeded  for- 
ward, carrying  him  away  from  a  home  he  might  never  see 
again. 

Whifton  rode  into  Omaha  about  noon,  not  so  much  on 
account  of  the  nature  of  the  general  disturbance,  of  which 
he  had  heard  something,  as  to  make  inquiry  at  the  post 
office  for  mail  matter.  It  will  be  remembered  this  was  the 
date  on  which  he  expected  to  receive  the  dynamite  for 


120  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

Hamilton  Hitch,  and  the  circumstance  troubled  him  more 
than  he  was  willing  to  admit  to  a  third  party.  Time, 
however,  with  its  variety  of  remedies  for  poor  souls  and 
distressed  bodies,  lessened  the  burden  of  his  cares  on  this 
occasion.  There  was  a  letter  for  him  all  the  way  from 
Europe  telling  him  the  explosive  for  which  requisition  had 
been  made  was  not  available.  The  experiments  tried  had 
not  yet  produced  the  article  in  a  satisfactory  shape ;  but 
when  perfected,  it  said,  a  Boston  firm,  which  was  named, 
would  place  it  on  the  market,  and  then  he  might  supply 
his  wants  to  any  extent  required. 

This  statement  relieved  his  anxiety.  So  full  of  satisfac- 
tion did  he  become  on  account  of  it,  that  he  determined 
on  having  an  interview  with  his  good  friend  Hamilton 
Hitch,  to  whom  he  would  communicate  the  contents  of 
the  letter.  In  this  connection,  he  believed  the  time  had 
come  when  it  would  be  appropriate  to  call  at  the  new  resi- 
dence and  be  entertained  there  instead  of  meeting  around 
the  corners  ofrthe  streets  or  in  a  restaurant.  In  his  estima- 
tion this  was  progress,  whether  his  doubts  and  suspicions 
or  the  warnings  of  his  instinct  regarding  the  man  were  true 
or  false. 

Imbued  with  this  opinion,  he  directed  his  steps  to  the 
Hitch  residence;  but  what  was  his  surprise,  on  arriving 
there,  to  behold  a  sign  in  the  front  window  on  which  was 
inscribed  in  large  characters  the  words  "To  Let,"  and 
other  appearances  indicating  that  the  house  was  unoccu- 
pied. But  this  was  not  all.  Transferring  his  glance  to 
Finnestare's,  he  observed  active  preparations  around  that 
domicile  as  if  the  inmates  were  about  to  leave.  A  portion 
of  the  fence  had  been  thrown  down  the  better  to  facilitate 
the  removal  of  furniture.  Crates  and  boxes  ready  for 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  121 

shipment  were  standing  in  the  open  spaces,  and  others 
receiving  their  quota  of  personal  effects  from  skilled  pack- 
ers specially  employed  for  the  occasion.  A  little  apart 
from  these  appeared  a  flaring  notice,  brief  and  to  the  point, 
supported  by  a  pole  stuck  into  the  ground,  announcing 
the  place  "For  Sale";  and  it  was  evident  on  all  sides 
that  the  venerated  landmark  was  doomed  to  experience 
great  changes  in  the  near  future. 

"Ah  !  "  exclaimed  Whifton,  turning  away  from  the  sad 
scene,  "  they're  going  to  clear  out,  bag  and  baggage ;  it  is 
really  so.  What  will  become  of  the  place,  anyhow?  " 

Passing  the  bank  on  his  way  downtown,  he  saw  that  the 
establishment  was  in  new  hands,  held,  of  course,  on  the 
old  secure  lines,  and  the  management  would  soon,  one  of 
the  directors  told  him,  commence  the  erection  of  a  sub- 
stantial structure  where  the  business  would  be  carried 
forward  on  a  larger  basis  and  be  a  credit  —  meaning  an  ad- 
vantage —  to  the  city. 

The  subject  of  Grace  Finnestare's  marriage  recurred  to 
his  mind,  but  it  aroused,  instead  of  resentment  or  bad  feel- 
ing of  any  kind,  sadness  bitter  and  deep,  such  as  a  child 
would  feel  on  being  deserted  by  its  near  friends.  He  wept 
a  little,  silently,  when  no  one  saw  him,  and  remarked,  as 
he  pressed  the  tears  from  his  eyes  with  his  handkerchief: 

"  /would  be  no  match  for  her,  anyway.  Why  should  I  ? 
How  foolish  I  was  ever  to  dream  of  such  a  thing !  So 
beautiful  a  girl  to  be  the  wife  of  Crow  Whifton  would  be 
quite  an  impossibility.  It  is  really  so." 

When  the  decision  was  rendered  in  the  bracing  atmos- 
phere of  the  afternoon,  he  felt  better.  Then  his  attention 
\vas  directed  into  other  channels.  Remarks  made  by  citi- 
zens collected  on  the  sidewalks  regarding  secession  reached 


122  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

him  as  he  proceeded  downtown,  and  he  soon  began  to 
realize  that  this  was  the  all-absorbing  topic  of  the  hour. 
Every  one  of  his  acquaintances  introduced  the  subject  to 
his  notice,  and  he  was  still  listening  to  opinions  on  the 
probable  results  of  it  on  society  and  the  government  when 
Honeybone,  the  night  watchman,  appeared  before  him. 

"Whif,  by  gosh!  "  said  he.     "How's  secesh?" 

"  Just  getting  the  news  all  in,"  replied  Whifton. 

Then,  acting  on  a  secret  sign  from  Honeybone,  which 
consisted  of  a  wink  of  the  left  eye  so  well  pronounced  that 
the  lower  part  of  the  cheek  was  drawn  up  as  in  spasm,  he 
grasped  the  arm  of  his  friend,  and  they  stepped  off  together 
intent  on  reaching  their  old  haunt  at  Cuffins's,  where 
cocktails  and  lemonade  became  the  order  of  the  day. 
Whifton  was  quite  liberal  on  this  occasion.  He  felt  it  his 
duty  to  act  in  this  manner  to  meet  excitement  halfway  and 
also  because  some  of  the  weight  or  mental  strain  on  his 
mind  and  heart  had  suddenly  become  less  than  heretofore. 

He  lent  a  willing  ear  to  Honeybone  while  that  doughty 
night  guardian  described  in  unequivocal  terms  the  short- 
comings and  inconsistencies  of  society  along  his  beat  as 
interpreted  by  him,  and  made  no  sign  indicating  surprise 
or  emotion  when  the  questionable  conduct  of  Danderton 
Hitch  on  the  night  of  Herondine's  speech-making  was 
spoken  of.  With  a  studied  calmness  which  would  be 
noticeable  to  any  one  but  the  imbiber  of  cocktails,  he 
asked  : 

"  Have  you  any  idea  what  was  he  doing  there  at  Finnes- 
tare's?" 

"Lookin*  in,"  promptly  answered  his  companion. 

Whifton  did  not  pursue  the  theme.  He  believed  in 
letting  well  enough  alone.  The  failure  of  the  dynamite  to 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  123 

arrive  and  the  departure  of  the  Hitches  for  parts  unknown 
removed  all  traces  of  incipient  crime  from  him,  or  what 
might  have  originated  in  disaster  if  not  fortunately  inter- 
rupted. Now  he  need  only  keep  silent,  and  he  could  yet 
pass  as  a  man  free  from  suspicion  as  well  as  be  accorded  a 
first  place  among  the  best  citizens  of  the  country.  Thus 
did  he  remain  faithful  to  the  deep  designer  who  had  bound 
him  to  secrecy,  and  imagined  his  conscience  free  for  ever- 
more, forgetting  that  his  resolution  confirmed  the  previous 
arrangement  whereby  he  existed,  body  and  soul,  in  the 
depths  of  the  first  degree  of  crime,  without,  apparently, 
a  hope  of  complete  freedom  from  them  in  the  future. 

When  everything  pertaining  to  the  times  had  been  freely 
discussed  and  viewed  from  the  standpoint  of  opinions  held 
by  the  speakers,  the  friends  separated. 


CHAPTER  X. 

WHAT    HISTORY    MUST    RECORD. 

FOLLOWING  the  overt  act  of  secession,  South  Caro- 
lina continued  the  initiative  of  provoking  war. 
Before  the  end  of  December,  the  authorities  of  the  state 
had  seized  Castle  Pinckney  and  Fort  Moultrie,  military 
works  in  Charleston  harbor,  and  the  United  States  arsenal 
in  the  city  of  Charleston,  with  the  public  property  con- 
tained therein.  Thus  to  secession  were  added  aggression 
and  spoliation. 

It  became  evident  to  the  people  of  all  classes  in  the 
United  States,  as  well  as  to  the  world  at  large,  that  these 
aggressive  acts  were  performed  principally  as  examples  for 
other  seceding  states ;  that  they  indicated  the  policy  to  be 


124  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

pursued  by  the  combination,  or  confederacy,  in  future ; 
and,  finally,  left  no  hope  for  a  peaceful  solution  of  the 
question  at  issue  to  be  entertained.  The  wisdom  guiding 
the  seceders  was  at  fault  here.  It  would  be  no  infringe- 
ment on  the  sovereign  rights  of  a  free  state,  assuming 
South  Carolina  to  be  such  after  secession,  to  permit  the 
United  States  to  hold  title  to  territory  or  military  supplies 
within  its  jurisdiction  until  an  agreement  had  been  reached 
regarding  its  disposition.  The  appropriation  to  itself  of 
property  to  which  it  was  not  in  any  sense  entitled  would 
be  a  sufficient  cause  for  war,  if  nothing  else  had  transpired 
to  induce  it ;  and  the  haste  displayed  in  preparation  for 
hostilities  seemed  conclusive  evidence  that  the  men  urging 
such  policy  were  fully  alive  to  its  responsibilities  and  what 
it  must  inevitably  entail. 

It  must  be  plain,  also,  that  the  overtures  made  by  the 
state  commissioners  about  this  time  for  formal  indepen- 
dence could  have  no  weight  under  the  circumstances ; 
because  war  was  actually  in  progress  on  their  side,  and 
must  be  atoned  for  or  resisted  on  its  own  principles  and 
with  similar  weapons  by  the  authorities  in  Washington. 

An  opinion  gained  currency  in  the  North  which  was 
held  by  many  worthy  people  —  that  the  South  desired  the 
establishment  of  an  oligarchy  whose  power  would  be  more 
extended  even  than  the  jurisdiction  of  a  limited  monarchy, 
and  whose  pronounced  class  legislation  should  be  as  firmly 
held  by  the  sway  of  the  sword  as  if  it  consisted  of,  and  had 
been  modeled  after,  the  eternal  laws  of  the  universe.  The 
arrogance  displayed  by  the  South  in  the  first  days  of  se- 
cession, the  exhibition  of  substantial  force  contrasted  with 
the  absence  of  any  military  organization  in  the  North,  the 
confiscation  of  the  enemy's  supplies  wherever  encountered, 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  125 

and  the  resolution  to  adhere  to  slavery  as  heretofore,  went 
largely  to  confirm  the  truth  of  this  opinion. 

In  imitation  of  South  Carolina,  other  states  seceded 
during  the  month  of  January  —  Mississippi,  Florida,  Ala- 
bama, Georgia,  and  Louisiana — and  the  Lone  Star  State, 
Texas,  February  first.  These  acquisitions  to  the  new 
power  enabled  the  leaders  of  it  to  organize  a  convention, 
or  representative  body,  which  was  afterwards  known  as  a 
provisional  congress,  with  powers  to  elect  a  president  and 
vice-president  and  adopt  a  constitution  suitable  for  its 
requirements. 

When  these  preliminary  acts  were  completed,  resulting 
in  the  consolidation  of  the  Confederate  States  of  America 
and  the  proclamation  of  its  constitution  and  principles, 
the  enthusiasm  of  the  people  who  espoused  such  cause  rose 
to  immense  proportions  and  permeated  the  public  mind  of 
the  civilized  world.  Statesmen,  soldiers,  scholars,  and 
other  patriots  flocked  to  the  standard  of  the  Confederacy 
vowing  they  would  sacrifice  every  consideration  of  emolu- 
ment or  convenience  for  the  sole  idea  of  offering  assistance 
to  their  respective  states  in  the  hour  of  trial.  Many  a  man 
had  no  other  reason  to  give  for  his  precipitate  flight  south 
than  that  it  was  his  native  home,  the  place  where  he  was 
born,  or  that  he  could  not  deny  his  services  to  his  native 
state  in  the  day  of  her  distress. 

These  popular  sentiments,  well  known  to  have  been 
associated  with  the  history  of  mankind  since  the  beginning 
of  tradition,  are  held  in  higher  esteem  than  the  niceties  of 
correct  law,  and  constitute  a  potent  cause  for  the  division 
in  public  opinion  on  the  important  question  here  noticed. 
Perhaps  a  battle  for  love  of  home  is  as  justifiable  or  meri- 
torious as  for  absolute  right,  if  the  consequences  be  of  more 


126  Iff  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

importance  in  the  one  case  than  the  other  and  more  likely 
to  secure  substantial  benefits  to  the  parties  concerned ;  or, 
perhaps,  the  invisible  powers  surrounding  man  never  con- 
templated having  absolute  right  made  a  perception  in 
human  understanding  —  the  better  to  enable  that  depart- 
ment to  operate  in  the  limited  sphere  of  its  destiny  —  but 
to  be  merely  an  admirable  atom  capable  of  being  discov- 
ered among  the  many  brilliants  at  their  disposal. 

Like  an  incoming  tide  that  sets  afloat  the  multifarious 
craft  lying  idly  on  the  shore,  the  growing  strength  of  the 
Confederacy  induced  thousands  of  wavering  spirits  to 
espouse  its  cause.  Congress,  in  Washington,  made  an 
effort  to  conciliate  the  dissatisfied  and  disaffected  by  a 
guarantee  of  non-interference  with  slavery  as  it  then  existed 
in  the  states ;  but  this  endeavor  proved  too  weak  before 
the  uncompromising  measures  of  the  South  in  its  haste  to 
establish  independence.  The  seizures  and  confiscations 
continued  in  all  the  states  pinning  their  fortunes  to  South 
Carolina. 

Mr.  Buchanan,  the  President  of  the  United  States,  while 
deprecating  secession,  was  not  satisfied  that  Congress  had 
inherent  power  to  make  war  on  an  individual  state  that 
chose  to  secede.  This  seemed  to  afford  a  pretext  to  the 
new  Confederacy  for  believing  its  existence  would  be  sus- 
tained by  the  authority  of  civil  law.  Moreover,  assurances 
of  support  came  from  sources  outside  the  United  States. 
Heretofore  the  South  had  been  a  market  for  the  importa- 
tion and  sale  of  English  goods,  and  it  was  freely  asserted 
that  substantial  aid  and  recognition  from  England  would 
be  forthcoming  at  the  proper  time. 

Nothing  seemed  to  be  wanting  to  this  young  nation  in 
its  arrogant  assertion  of  independence,  coupled  with  dis- 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  127 

respect  of  others'  privileges  such  as  was  claimed  by  the 
North  and  disregard  of  the  truth  of  principle.  Yet  the 
hope,  the  enthusiasm,  the  concentration  of  power,  and 
this  fair  field  of  human  expectation  were  blighted  by  the 
calculations  of  false  guides.  The  men  who  instigated 
secession  and  fulminated  war  were  responsible  for  the 
conduct  of  the  men  who  afterwards  fought  and  bled  for  a 
cause  they  believed  sacred  and  just,  and  lost.  At  the  cry 
of  "country"  and  "birthright,"  the  soldier  naturally 
would  not  stop  to  inquire  what  nice  intricacy  of  universal 
law,  superior  to  these  watchwords  and  God-given  to  the 
world  when  time  began,  was  available  by  which  he  might 
escape  a  fight ;  nor  would  the  statesman  be  deterred  from 
action,  even  if  he  knew  of  a  higher  motive  for  his  conduct, 
on  seeing  his  country  rent  by  barbarous  usage  and  the  folly 
of  ignorance.  Hence,  how  terrible  it  is  to  lead  a  division 
of  mankind  into  an  untenable  position  doomed  to  failure 
and  then  witness  the  consequences  —  the  graves  of  the 
brave  men  who  fell,  the  wreck  of  friendships  and  family 
ties,  the  vacant  places  that  would  never  again  be  filled  by 
loved  ones,  the  desolate  homes,  the  suspension  of  industry, 
and  the  cruel  heart-burnings  that  spare  neither  age,  sex, 
nor  condition  ! 

It  was  not  through  patriotism  that  the  idea  of  secession 
was  conceived,  nor  in  the  calm  reasonings  of  philosophy, 
but  by  furious  personal  pride  and  ill-tempered  assumption 
of  despotic  right.  It  was  the  "mammon  of  iniquity," 
the  red  hand  of  selfishness  unrestrained  by  God's  law,  that 
sought  eternal  rule  for  traffic  in  human  beings  and  the 
liberty  to  be  unjust.  Perhaps  the  men  responsible  for  it, 
in  the  first  instance,  belonged  to  a  past  age.  Perhaps  an 
enemy  scattered  its  baleful  seeds  on  sensitive  minds  incap- 


128  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

able  of  resistance,  or  designed  as  a  scheme  to  advance  his 
ulterior  purposes  to  the  detriment  of  America.  Whatever 
had  been  the  cause  of  its  origin  in  this  particular  case  it 
acquired  notoriety,  strength,  and  political  recognition  to  a 
greater  extent  than  any  other  delusive  project  foisted  on 
the  people  since  the  acquisition  of  national  independence, 
only  to  betray  the  spurious  nature  of  its  birth,  claims,  and 
pretensions. 

If  the  delusion  nursed  by  the  followers  of  the  Confeder- 
acy at  that  time  appeared  on  a  large  scale,  the  lesson 
taught  by  its  results  has  been  far-reaching  and  instructive 
to  the  world  at  large.  It  will  be  understood  hereafter 
that  in  any  enterprise  contemplated  by  men  something 
more  than  mere  opinion  or  self-interest  will  be  necessary 
to  guarantee  complete  success ;  otherwise,  the  invisible 
powers  shall  strike  the  operators  with  the  rapidity  of  light- 
ning, through  the  laws  of  circumstances  or  others  equally 
irresistible,  and  lay  their  plans  in  the  dust. 

One  of  the  first  officers  of  note  assigned  to  military  duty 
under  the  Confederacy  was  General  P.  G.  T.  Beauregard, 
a  native  of  Louisiana,  having  been  born  near  New  Orleans 
in  1818.  He  was  not  only  a  soldier  of  the  first  class,  but 
a  man  qualified  to  lead  the  army  of  any  race  or  nation  in 
the  world  as  general-in-chief.  Graduating  second  in  his 
class  at  West  Point  Military  Academy  in  1838,  he  was 
assigned  to  the  artillery  of  the  United  States  army,  and 
shortly  afterwards  transferred  to  the  engineer  corps,  where 
he  distinguished  himself  for  many  years  by  careful  attention 
to  his  duties  in  the  va$t  field  of  operations  demanding 
his  presence  and  that  of  his  associates. 

In  recognition  of  his  worth  and  to  show  the  estimate  of 
his  ability  held  by  the  Washington  authorities,  he  was 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  129 

detailed  Superintendent  of  West  Point  towards  the  latter 
part  of  the  Buchanan  administration.  This  position  he 
resigned  the  following  month  in  order  that  he  might  enter 
the  service  of  the  Confederate  government;  and,  as  a 
result  of  this  movement,  he  was  assigned  to  the  command 
of  the  Confederate  works  in  Charleston  Harbor,  South 
Carolina,  the  day  before  the  inauguration  of  President 
Lincoln  in  Washington.  This  seemed  to  presage  great 
things  for  the  South ;  for  General  Beauregard  was  well 
known  in  every  state  in  the  Union,  and  people  believed 
his  military  skill  would  go  far  in  strengthening  the  party 
of  his  choice. 

The  immediate  effect  of  secession  on  the  people  loyal  to 
the  North  was  the  infliction  of  a  kind  of  stupor,  like  an 
individual  who  receives  a  sudden  blow  from  an  unexpected 
source  and  becomes  unable  to  determine  how  to  proceed 
either  towards  protection  or  retaliation.  As  the  term  of 
the  administration  approached  the  end,  public  opinion 
relieved  it  of  the  obligation  to  meet  the  new  difficulty  with 
the  earnestness  of  an  incoming  one ;  but  it  must  be  said 
that  measures  within  the  scope  of  its  judgment  were  exe- 
cuted promptly  in  the  interests  of  the  public  spirit  of  the 
North.  Among  these  may  be  specially  mentioned  the 
hasty  summoning  of  General  Winfield  Scott,  the  veteran 
general-in-chief  of  the  United  States  army,  to  Washington 
by  the  President,  and  the  careful  preparations  made  under 
his  supervision  to  ensure  the  safe  inauguration  of  Mr.  Buch- 
anan's successor  on  the  fourth  of  March. 

There  was  a  remarkable  division  in  public  opinion  in 
the  North  as  to  the  righteousness  of  the  Confederate  claim 
to  independence,  which  pervaded  all  classes  of  people, 
making  it  exceedingly  difficult  for  the  leaders  of  the  Union 


130  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

cause  to  distinguish  friends  from  foes.  The  regular  army, 
a  little  over  sixteen  thousand  strong,  had  been  distributed 
through  the  vast  territory  of  the  United  States  and  could 
not  readily  be  withdrawn  without  neglecting  the  frontier 
duty  to  which  it  had  been  assigned.  Disaffection  appeared 
in  the  ranks  of  some  of  the  militia  and  volunteer  organiza- 
tions surrounding  the  national  capital,  and  wild  rumors 
were  circulated  that  the  aggressive  policy  of  the  South 
would  be  pushed  so  far  as  to  attempt  an  interruption  if  not 
a  suppression  of  the  government  of  the  North  altogether  or 
make  it  subservient  to  its  dictation. 

The  patriotic  spirit  of  the  North  did  not  long  remain  in 
abeyance.  Men  could  endure  desertion  and  the  raising  of 
a  new  standard  in  the  South  until  reason  should  decide  the 
merits  of  such  acts ;  but  when  to  every  other  offense  here- 
tofore enumerated  was  added  the  threat  of  invasion,  with 
supplementary  measures  such  as  would  prevent  the  new 
president  of  the  northern  states  from  taking  his  seat,  then 
patience  had  reached  its  limits.  Many  a  gallant  man 
arose  in  his  might  and  vowed  he  would  dispute  the  passage 
of  the  invaders  single-handed  if  no  one  else  rendered  him 
assistance.  Hence,  out  of  the  lethargy  of  awe  patriotism 
began  to  strengthen  itself.  Like  the  long  roll  of  distant 
thunder  on  the  approach  of  a  storm,  the  murmurs  of  defi- 
ance went  back  to  the  South  as  if  they  were  the  echoes  of 
its  boldness. 

It  was  at  this  time  that  Abraham  Lincoln  assumed  the 
duties  of  President  of  the  United  States.  It  may  be  said 
no  one  of  his  predecessors  in  office  was  ever  encumbered 
with  such  enormous  responsibilities  as  he,  or  around  whose 
individuality  so  much  public  care  was  congregated  —  not 
on  account  of  the  absence  of  willing  hands  to  support  his 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  131 

administration,  but  because  of  the  delicacy  of  the  prin- 
ciples he  had  been  called  upon  to  sustain,  which,  if  suffered 
to  vary  in  the  least  particular,  would  change  the  current  of 
future  events  in  the  United  States  adversely  forever  with- 
out hope  of  recall. 

Abraham  Lincoln  was  born  in  Hardin  County,  Ken- 
tucky, February  twelfth,  1809,  and  was  therefore  fifty-two 
years  of  age  at  the  time  of  his  inauguration  as  President  of 
the  United  States.  His  ancestors  came  from  England 
and  settled  in  Massachusetts  but  gradually  moved  south- 
ward through  New  Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  Virginia,  and 
Kentucky,  following  the  general  habit,  or  law,  peculiar  to 
all  men  of  each  generation,  seeking  new  homes.  In  those 
days  Kentucky  was  covered  with  vast  forests,  and  afforded 
a  speculative  field  for  explorers  and  men  of  enterprise. 
Under  the  inspiring  example  of  Daniel  Boone,  a  celebrated 
hunter  and  pioneer,  Mr.  Lincoln's  grandfather  emigrated 
to  that  state  and  joined  the  common  lot  of  those  who  un- 
dertook to  transform  the  wildness  of  territorial  inaction  to 
the  prosperous  condition  of  husbandry. 

When  only  seven  years  of  age,  Mr.  Lincoln  experienced 
one  of  those  changes  that  had  characterized  the  previous 
history  of  the  family.  His  father  moved  to  Indiana  for 
the  purpose  of  establishing  a  new  home  in  a  still  wilder 
territory  than  the  one  just  vacated.  After  two  years'  res- 
idence here,  his  good  mother  died ;  and,  his  father  marry- 
ing a  second  wife,  the  boy,  so  far  from  making  any  com- 
plaint or  becoming  testy  or  stubborn  under  the  new  regime 
in  the  household,  began  rather  to  exhibit  that  wonderful 
individual  magnanimity  which  afterwards  distinguished 
him  through  life.  Like  the  great  character  mentioned  in 
Christian  history,  he  became  subservient  to  the  condition 


132  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

of  his  surroundings  and  faithfully  discharged  the  duties  of 
his  position.  These  were  of  an  arduous  character,  includ- 
ing the  sturdy  feats  of  a  pioneer,  which  were  sufficiently 
aggressive  and  tedious  to  neutralize  the  ardor  of  the  most 
willing  mind ;  yet  the  youth  did  not  bend  beneath  the 
burden  imposed  upon  him,  but,  on  the  contrary,  grew  to 
great  strength  and  stature,  attaining  a  height,  when  twenty- 
one,  of  six  feet  four  inches. 

The  characteristic  attached  to  him  of  being  a  good  son 
was  only  one  feature  of  his  individualism.  Wherever  his 
opinions  were  heard,  they  indicated  a  depth  of  penetration 
into  philosophic  truths  uncommon  to  men  of  his  time,  and 
a  scope  or  broadness  of  views  on  current  topics  far  beyond 
most  of  his  political  contemporaries.  It  may  be  readily 
conceded,  therefore,  that  he  was  a  lover  of  knowledge  and 
sought  its  attainments  under  the  most  difficult  circum- 
stances, and,  it  may  be  said,  without  cessation. 

Not  being  fully  satisfied  with  the  Indiana  homestead, 
the  elder  Mr.  Lincoln  instituted  a  further  change  in  1830, 
and  began  the  preparation  and  construction  of  another 
home  of  a  similar  character  in  Macon  County,  Illinois. 
The  son,  then  grown  to  manhood,  not  only  favored  the 
simple  earnestness  of  his  father  to  afford  him  all  the  grati- 
fication possible,  but,  yielding  to  the  necessities  of  the 
case,  began  the  work  of  reclamation  on  the  new  land  with 
the  physical  powers  and  energy  of  a  giant.  Nothing, 
perhaps,  in  the  whole  course  of  his  career  is  so  suggestive 
of  a  noble  nature  as  this  act,  or  series  of  acts,  performed  in 
the  paternal  interest.  He  raised  no  doubt  as  to  the  wis- 
dom of  the  undertaking,  intervened  no  counter  opinions 
likely  to  detract  from  the  merits  of  the  original  design,  or 
stipulated  regarding  compensation  for  his  own  extraordi- 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  133 

nary  efforts.  No  :  on  the  contrary,  he  praised  the  excel- 
lence of  the  place  and  left  nothing  undone  on  his  own  part 
to  bring  all  the  details  connected  with  the  arrangement  of 
the  farm  to  a  successful  termination.  When  his  work  was 
finished,  when  his  father's  heart  was  happy  in  contemplat- 
ing the  realization  of  his  wishes  through  the  instrumentality 
of  his  son,  young  Lincoln  left  the  paternal  home  to  seek  his 
fortune  in  a  world  distracted  by  rival  issues  and  party  strife. 

The  history  of  his  career  during  this  period  reaching  to 
the  nomination  for  the  presidency  reveals  the  struggles  of 
a  man  inspired  by  the  love  of  rectitude  fighting  on  the 
front  line  for  all  that  men  hold  to  be  just,  noble,  and  hu- 
mane. The  two  characteristics  tending  most  to  distinguish 
persons  in  this  world — namely,  honesty  and  truth  —  were 
held  by  him  in  an  eminent  degree.  It  was  not  difficult, 
therefore,  to  understand  or  mistake  his  character  with 
these  far-famed  qualifications  as  the  leading  points  of  it, 
for  his  purposes  were  so  molded  in  rectitude  and  his  speech 
so  emphatically  true  that  he  stood  above  reproach  before 
friends  and  foes  alike.  Crafty  men  sneered  at  him ;  but 
their  ridicule  became  insignificant  in  his  presence,  like  the 
imbecile  howling  of  dogs  in  the  moonlight. 

There  was  deep  design  in  selecting  such  a  man  as  stand- 
ard-bearer for  the  party  from  which  so  much  justice  was 
expected.  The  world  at  large  would  estimate  his  weaknesses 
and  his  worth  by  old  or  new  standards  according  to  the 
degree  of  intelligence  with  which  it  was  endowed,  and  the 
factions  controlled  by  these  decisions  might  gloat  over  the 
one  or  the  other  as  best  suited  their  ideas ;  but  such  pro- 
nounced virtues  as  those  above  mentioned  could  not  escape 
recognition,  even  by  the  most  illiterate,  any  more  than  the 
sea  could  be  denied  immensity  or  the  earth  fruitfulness. 


134  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

It  was  singular  how  his  conduct  stood,  unchanged,  the 
crucial  tests  of  place  and  power.  What  he  had  been  in 
his  native  state  he  was  in  the  glory  of  the  highest  position 
the  world  could  bestow  on  any  individual  —  a  modest  man, 
sensible  and  upright.  The  pride  which  follows  and  en- 
compasses title,  the  enthusiasm  that  obstructs  the  votary  of 
party  in  the  pursuit  of  knowledge,  and  the  malice  generated 
in  the  heart  of  an  enemy  were  not  with  him.  In  his  con- 
science and  in  his  soul  he  possessed  the  freedom  of  a  man 
who  stood  near  God;  because  he  aimed  to  disseminate 
justice  to  the  world  as  that  justice  came  from  the  Supreme 
Power,  undeterred  by  flattery  or  threat.  What  need  had 
he  of  the  tinsel  which  bedecks  the  apartments  and  the  official 
gown  of  the  great,  the  strut  of  consequence,  the  exclusiveness 
of  vanity,  the  disrespect  of  arrogance,  or  the  red  eye  of 
bloated  pride,  while  the  purity  of  principle  encompassed 
him  and  the  dignity  of  law  was  the  guide  of  his  actions? 

In  his  official  life,  the  same  definite  purpose  and  freedom 
from  confusion  of  ideas  could  be  discerned.  No  one  mis- 
understood his  policy.  All  the  requirements  of  his  party, 
supplemented  by  what  he  himself  demanded,  appeared 
under  two  headings:  "The  Integrity  of  the  Union  "  and 
"  The  Abolition  of  Slavery."  These  were  as  plain  as  the 
decalogue,  and  more  concise.  Substitute,  compromise, 
and  trickery  were  out  of  the  question,  as  well  as  the  doubts 
of  friends  and  enemies  as  to  the  justness  of  his  course, 
while  his  determination  to  adhere  to  his  policy  was  not 
influenced  in  the  least  degree.  He  must  have  seen  the 
subtle  design  of  God  and  nature  for  the  union  of  mankind, 
regulated  by  just  law  in  each  nation,  state,  community, 
family,  and  individual,  but  more  especially  the  moral 
right  of  every  one  to  be  free  from  cruel  bondage. 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  135 

Beyond  the  barriers  thrown  up  against  him  he  saw  the 
great  light  that  must  come  to  the  world  by  means  of  law, 
making  men  and  women  lose  their  dissensions  and  unchar- 
itableness  —  so  as  to  mingle  with  the  spirit  of  the  universe, 
in  peace,  justice,  and  love.  This  was  the  vision  that  up- 
held his  soul  in  the  hours  of  trial  such  as  he  was  obliged  to 
endure ;  this  the  force  which  propelled  his  will,  self-bal- 
anced in  right,  under  circumstances  appalling  to  the  brav- 
est heart  and  capable  of  subverting  to  inferior  claims  and 
purposes  the  most  brilliant  intelligence  of  the  age. 

Nothing  can  surpass  faithfulness.  It  is  an  attribute  of 
the  Supreme  Power,  the  energy  that  never  sleeps  but  oper- 
ates on  the  design  of  motion  in  material  without  the  loss 
of  an  instant  in  a  thousand  years.  The  individuality  of 
Mr.  Lincoln  merged  with  it  into  the  great  powers  above 
the  common  methods  of  solving  questions  of  the  day ; 
therefore  he  could  not  be  moved  by  or  made  to  descend 
into  shades  through  which  the  light  of  his  future  world  had 
not  yet  penetrated.  It  was  not  a  faith  that  inspired  him ; 
what  he  fought  for  he  knew.  It  was  the  real  instead  of  the 
ideal ;  that  which  was  practicable  as  against  mere  theory ; 
the  further  resolution  of  chaotic  disturbance  into  order ; 
the  bringing  of  man's  rules  to  a  parallel  or  to  harmonize 
with  the  eternal  law  of  the  universe. 

Stimulated  by  Mr.  Lincoln's  confidence  and  courage, 
the  North  went  vigorously  to  work  in  the  preparation  for 
war.  Men  of  great  patriotism  appeared,  ready  to  give 
their  lives  as  well  as  their  fortunes  to  sustain  the  Union. 
It  soon  became  evident  that  the  celerity  and  boldness  of 
the  South  were  not  enough  to  dissipate  belief  in  the  Union 
cause  in  the  minds  of  Northern  men.  There  would  be 
some  delay  in  organizing  forces,  but  the  North  would  meet 


136 

the  South  to  test  the  issue  the  latter  had  induced  by  the 
strength  of  arms.  Noncombatants  saw  the  signs  indica- 
ting the  near  approach  of  battle  until  suspense  became 
painful;  then,  in  fear  and  trembling,  listened  for  the 
sounds. 


CHAPTER  XI. 

AN   IMPRESSIVE   TRANSFORMATION. 

THE  precipitate  flight  of  Hamilton  Hitch  and  his  son 
Danderton  from  Omaha  was  not  executed  with 
greater  energy  than  Herondine's  movement  to  the  East  at 
the  call  of  duty.  Being  one  of  the  leading  spirits  of  the 
Republican  Party,  and  having  accomplished  much  of  what 
he  had  journeyed  westward  to  perform,  he  recognized  the 
utility  of  immediate  consultation  with  his  associates  so  as 
to  strengthen  the  government  at  Washington  with  as  much 
voluntary  assistance  as  possible.  The  time  had  come  when 
theory  and  speculation  must  give  way  to  stern  reality,  and 
patriotism  be  made  to  bear  the  test  of  danger  and  hardship 
without  complaint. 

It  was  then  the  members  of  Herondine's  household 
awoke  to  the  full  realization  of  what  war  required.  They 
had  been  congregated  into  the  New  York  residence  under 
the  most  friendly  auspices.  Aunt  Frill  and  Aunt  Funton 
had  given  a  royal  reception  to  Herondine  and  his  lovely 
bride ;  had  assigned  the  most  comfortable  quarters  in  the 
establishment  to  Judge  Finnestare ;  made  Madam  Glori- 
ana  happy  by  installing  her  housekeeper  and  Felice  cook; 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  137 

as  well  as  that  they  reached  out  and  pressed  an  arm  of 
choice  society  into  service  so  as  to  furnish  entertainment 
or  amusement  suitable  to  the  persons  interested.  Now, 
however,  when  the  genial  influence  of  the  management  of 
his  good  aunts  began  to  be  felt  like  the  sunshine  of  happy 
hours,  Herondine  arose  and  announced  his  intention 
of  offering  his  service  to  the  Federal  government.  It 
seemed  a  great  hardship  to  deprive  this  family  of  such  a 
man  under  the  conditions  named,  yet  there  was  no  remedy 
by  which  his  departure  could  be  averted  consistent  with 
his  former  professions  of  patriotism.  His  country  claimed 
him,  and  he  must  go. 

It  was,about  two  months  after  their  arrival  in  New  York 
when  this  important  change  took  place.  The  morning 
Herondine  left  his  home  there  was  sobbing  in  almost  every 
apartment  of  the  house.  Grace  Herondine,  his  wife,  was 
pale  and  anxious-looking  while  her  husband  had  been  mak- 
ing preparations  to  depart ;  but  when  she  saw  his  manly 
form  disappear  in  the  street,  leaving  her  lonely  and  desolate, 
she  burst  into  loud  wailing.  The  aunts  also  appeared 
broken-hearted,  knowing  full  well  the  significance  and  the 
results  of  an  encounter  with  the  pending  dangers  of  war. 

"  I  would  be  reconciled  if  it  was  anybody  else —  myself, 
for  instance,"  said  Aunt  Frill.  "The  idea  of  allowing  such 
a  fine  man,  who,  after  all,  is  only  a  boy,  to  go  to  the  war 
to  be  killed  is  pitiful — just  outrageous." 

"  It  is  the  quintessence  of  effervescence  of  reminiscence, 
or  the  diabolical  made  plain  to  the  mind's  eye,"  said  Aunt 
Funton,  who,  when  laboring  under  unusual  excitement, 
generally  made  use  of  learned  language  so  as  to  emphasize 
her  sentiments  in  the  hearing  of  her  associates.  "  This  comes 
of  his  not  staying  with  Constitutional  Union." 


138  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

"My  dear  Funton,"  replied  Aunt  Frill,  "while  I  ac- 
knowledge you  in  the  right,  say  rather  it  was  an  ill  wind 
that  blew  him  into  the  party  that  now  claims  him;  and, 
laying  all  matters  aside,  he  should  have  run  on  Douglas  if 
not  on  the  square." 

As  these  remarks  were  made  in  the  presence  of  Grace, 
she  answered : 

"Let  us  be  reconciled  to  what  suited  him  best  according 
to  his  own  convictions  of  right,  and  it  will  please  him 
hereafter  to  know  it  when  he  shall  be  menaced  by  danger 
and  difficulty." 

Then  the  household,  under  the  old  management  and  the 
new,  began  its  allotted  duties,  so  as  to  relieve  the  members 
of  it  of  the  pain  which  Herondine's  sudden  departure  had 
created. 

In  the  meantime  Herondine  journeyed  to  Washington 
without  delay.  His  heart  beat  in  unison  with  the  popular 
sentiment  of  the  loyal  men  of  the  North,  and  his  ideas 
burned  with  fervor  for  its  institutions.  He  was  prepared 
to  undertake  any  duty,  no  matter  how  arduous,  to  prove 
the  sincerity  of  his  attachment  to  his  country's  cause,  if 
further  proof  was  necessary  after  seeing  he  had  given  up 
home  for  it  and  all  else  dear  to  him  in  this  world. 

When  he  arrived  in  Washington,  the  city  appeared  to  be 
overrun  with  transients  —  men  destined  for  all  branches  of 
military  service,  as  well  as  strangers  from  outlying  cities 
and  states,  besides  hucksters,  bummers,  loafers,  pimps, 
thieves,  and  camp  followers.  The  non combatants  of  the 
latter  type  here  enumerated  had  been  forced  from  their 
usual  haunts  at  other  points  by  the  prospect  in  store  for 
them  during  the  inauguration  of  President  Lincoln,  which 
would  take  place  next  day,  and  the  disturbed  condition 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  139 

of  society  at  the  national  capital  thereafter  owing  to  the 
war  spirit  of  the  times. 

Looking  leisurely  at  the  city  itself,  he  concluded  the 
plan  of  it  had  been  designed  for  future  generations  instead 
of  for  the  people  of  the  present ;  its  streets  were  unusually 
wide,  some  of  the  public  buildings  remained  unfinished, 
and  the  population  appeared  limited  far  more  than  his 
previous  conceptions  of  the  place  indicated.  However,  he 
was  fairly  pleased  with  the  situation,  which  was  level  and 
extensive,  flanked  by  a  noble  river,  the  Potomac,  on  one 
side,  whose  placidity  and  solemn  grandeur  appeared  con- 
spicuous. He  was  favorably  impressed,  also,  with  the  size 
and  make-up  of  the  capitol,  whose  white  walls  glistening 
in  the  sunshine  made  a  resplendent  vision,  especially  as  it 
stood  on  elevated  ground  at  the  head  of  Pennsylvania 
Avenue,  which  people  called  the  avenue,  although  there 
were  others  in  the  city. 

Having  met  some  of  his  political  friends  in  the  capitol 
as  previously  arranged,  and  accepted  a  position  relative  to 
the  ceremonies  projected  for  the  following  day,  he  stopped 
for  a  few  minutes  in  the  rotunda,  which  is  under  the  dome, 
for  the  purpose  of  examining  minutely  the  large  painting 
there  of  the  surrender  of  General  Burgoyne.  It  was  while 
turning  away  from  the  picture  that  he  encountered  the 
smiling  face  of  a  man  who  stood  in  his  path  and,  raising 
his  right  hand,  gave  the  military  salute  to  indicate  he  was  at 
Herondine's  service. 

"A  bummer,"  thought  Herondine,  as  he  scrutinized  the 
fellow's  campaign  hat  jauntily  set  on  one  side  of  his  head 
and  the  dark  blue  clothing  worn  by  him,  which  stood 
much  in  need  of  repairs.  As  he  remained  passive  an 


140  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

instant,  Herondine  continued  to  examine  him  from  the 
standpoint  of  his  ideas  as  held  at  that  time. 

He  was  of  medium  size,  by  no  means  soldierly  looking 
nor  athletic,  but  one  who  seemed  formed  to  create  merri- 
ment on  some  stages  of  life  if  not  in  a  theater.  He  exhib- 
ited capacity  to  produce  facial  expressions  of  a  comic 
character,  was  demure  to  the  extent  of  being  noticeable, 
and  of  a  cheerful  disposition  although  evidently  in  em- 
barrassed circumstances.  Seeing  him  once,  his  identity 
could  easily  be  established  afterwards  on  account  of  the 
bridge  of  his  nose  being  curved  instead  of  straight,  the 
convex  part  of  the  curvature  projecting  toward  the  left  side. 

"What  do  you  seek?  "  inquired  Herondine. 

"A  friend,"  answered  the  man  promptly;  "and,"  he 
continued,  "service." 

Herondine  reflected  as  if  stunned  by  an  objective 
thought :  he  would,  no  doubt,  need  the  services  of  a  man, 
no  matter  what  his  situation  in  the  future,  for,  pay  or  no 
pay,  he  could  afford  it  on  his  own  account ;  but  would 
this  strange  specimen  of  mankind  meet  all  requirements  ? 
Would  he  be  reliable  and  fearless?  Because  in  the  present 
emergency  and  on  future  occasions  he  could  not  tolerate  a 
coward.  Roused  by  these  thoughts,  he  continued  the 
dialogue. 

"  What  are  your  qualifications?  " 

"I  practiced  shuffling  a  good  deal  in  the  past,"  said 
the  man.  "  In  taking  change  from  a  woman,  for  instance, 
or  from  a  person  not  well  posted  in  counting,  I  generally 
moved  the  coins  around  on  the  counter  or  table  until  the 
other  party  became  confused,  when  I  would  insist  that  the 
amount  coming  to  me  was  short.  In  this  way  I  gained  a 
trifle." 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  141 

"  Was  your  name  connected  with  this  kind  of  business?  " 
asked  Herondine  in  surprise. 

"Why,  yes;  and  largely,  too,  let  me  tell  you.  In  New 
York,  which  is  my  birthplace,  although  I  spent  a  good 
deal  of  time  in  Missouri,  it  was  a  common  remark  of 
people  in  sending  some  of  the  family  to  market,  '  Take 
care  you  do  not  meet  Furflew  the  shuffler  ! '  My  full  name 
is  Bannister  Furflew.  I  could  not  be  convicted  of  theft, 
because  I  pretended  I  was  doing  right.  A  large  part  of 
the  world  is  at  the  same  game.  I  know  them.  Shufflers 
every  one  of  'em." 

Herondine  appeared  utterly  astounded  at  the  cool  delib- 
eration of  this  speech.  The  audacious  assurance  of  the 
man  was  most  provoking. 

"Do  you  imagine,"  he  said,  "I  could  possibly  take  a 
man  of  your  character  and  antecedents  into  my  service?" 

"Oh,  yes,"  replied  Furflew  in  alight  manner.  "I'm 
honest  with  you.  I  tell  you  the  whole  truth  from  the 
start,  which  is  more  than  your  men  of  good  character 
would  do.  Besides,  this  accomplishment  may  be  of  some 
use  in  future.  The  times  demand  every  class  of  persons 
and  all  they  are  capable  of  doing.  This  was  not  my  regu- 
lar profession,  however." 

"What  business  did  you  follow ?"  asked  Herondine 
anxiously. 

"Trick  of  the  loop,"  said  the  man  with  a  bland  smile. 

Herondine  groaned.  The  airing  of  such  degradation 
deprived  him  of  the  partial  control  of  his  powers  and  in- 
duced the  production  of  the  involuntary  sound  above  men- 
tioned. 

Furflew  resumed : 

"  I  turned  my  wits  into  the  wrong  channel,  you'll  say. 


142  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

It  amused  me,  like  men  who  fish  and  hunt  in  a  fair  field. 
I  did  not  force  people  to  play  the  game.  If  they  lost, 
they  got  some  value  for  it  —  pleasure  and  experience. 
On  this  account  it  may  not  be  so  bad  as  people  make  out. 
They  want  something  to  remind  them  they  commit  foolish 
mistakes  sometimes.  When  a  greenhorn  supposes  he  can 
win  from  a  professional  and  tries  his  hand  at  it,  he  is 
guilty  of  such  a  blunder." 

"You  are  amusing,  to  say  the  least,"  remarked  Heron- 
dine,  who  began  to  relax  the  rigid  aspect  he  had  shown  in 
his  first  judgment  of  Furflew.  "What  other  praiseworthy 
accomplishments  are  you  master  of  ?  " 

"  I  do  a  little  at  juggling,  sleight  of  hand,  and  ventrilo- 
quism." 

Herondine  laughed  until  his  shoulders  shook  with  the 
bubbling  of  the  merriment  within  him;  then,  suddenly 
becoming  grave,  inquired : 

' '  Are  you  courageous  ? ' ' 

"  Not  much.  I  would  run  away  in  a  fight  or  dodge  it  if 
I  had  a  chance." 

"I  want  a  thoroughly  fearless  man,"  said  Herondine, 
with  a  lofty  air. 

"There  ain't  no  sich  critter,"  returned  Furflew  sarcas- 
tically. "  You  may  suppose  you  have  him,  like  attempting 
to  catch  a  notorious  insect;  but  when  you  examine  the 
place  where  he  should  be,  he  ain't  in  it." 

As  the  expression  on  Herondine's  face  indicated  hesi- 
tancy, Furflew  urged  other  reasons  in  his  own  favor,  as  a 
last  resort. 

"  When  I  get  a  place  and  regular  pay,  I'll  drop  my  law- 
ful profession,"  he  said.  "If  I  was  careful  before  while 
carrying  on  a  little  game  on  the  side  agreeable  to  the 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  143 

players,  whose  business  was  it?  Not  the  'cop's,'  if  I  know 
myself.  I  knew  men  who  spoke  against  me  play  a  dog- 
gone worse  trick  and  yet  thought  they  were  some  pump- 
kins. Don't  find  fault  with  me  on  that  account.  I'll 
attend  to  things,  you  bet,  and  tell  you  the  bottom  facts  of 
every  case, — which  will  come  in  handy  for  you." 

"  But,"  said  Herondine,  who  was  going  to  add  that  Fur- 
flew's  conduct  in  the  past  would  disgrace  him  in  the  future 
and  on  this  account  could  not  possibly  employ  him,  when 
he  was  restrained  from  such  course  by  counter  thoughts  ap- 
pealing to  his  charitable  nature  in  favor  of  the  unfortunate 
man.  Besides,  he  could,  of  course,  discharge  him  at  any 
time,  and  withhold  the  description  or  record  of  his  former 
career  from  his  wife  or  friends. 

Whether  Furflew  understood  the  nature  of  Herondine' s 
reflections  or  believed  his  own  tactics  to  be  insufficient 
to  accomplish  his  present  purpose,  he  changed  the  tenor  of 
his  appeal. 

"I  was  taken  by  your  appearance,"  he  said,  "because 
you  resembled  a  friend  of  mine.  Not  a  relation,  but  a 
young  man  I  used  to  meet  in  Union  Square,  New  York, 
who  listened  to  all  my  foolish  ideas  and  advised  me  what 
to  do.  You  should  have  seen  him !  He  was  such  a 
gentleman  !  Wouldn't  say  you  were  a  doggone  fool  on  no 
account.  Full  of  smart  talk  and  learning  of  every  kind 
was  that  youngster.  He  could  read  your  thoughts  like  a 
brick.  You  are  surprised  !  I  tried  him  at  it.  I  guess  he 
held  his  own  and  wasn't  put  out.  He  could  look  through 
you ;  that  was  the  extent  of  it.  When  we  got  acquainted  I 
made  him  laugh  every  time.  I  walked  with  him  round  the 
square,  mind  you,  often,  but  he  never  showed  the  least  sign 
that  he  didn't  want  me." 


144  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

During  the  delivery  of  the  above  narrative,  Herondine's 
cheeks  grew  purple,  and  at  its  conclusion  he  asked : 

"  What  was  the  name  of  your  friend  ?  " 

"  Rob  Riddleton,"  answered  the  man. 

"Dear  me!"  resumed  Herondine,  "how  odd  that  is! 
Riddleton  is  a  special  friend  of  mine  —  indeed,  one  for 
whom  I  have  the  greatest  regard.  I  received  valuable  in- 
structions from  him,  for  he  is  a  ripe  scholar.  We  exchanged 
visits,  dined  occasionally  at  noted  places  of  public  resort; 
but  latterly  I  have  not  met  him.  Where  it  he?  " 

"Went  south  a  year  ago.  Said  he  would  serve  the 
North  in  the  coming  troubles,  and  hinted  he  was  in  the 
employment  of  the  rising  political  party." 

"  I  am  glad  to  hear  it,"  said  Herondine.  "I  suppose  you 
will  now  expect  Rob  Riddleton 's  friend  to  give  you  the 
means  of  making  a  living.  Well,  call  on  me  the  day  after 
tomorrow,  and  I  may  find  something  to  suit  your  case. 
Remember  you  must  be  faithful  to  your  duties,  whatever 
they  be.". 

"You  bet  your  bottom  dollar,"  said  Furflew  earnestly. 

After  handing  the  man  a  card  on  which  his  address  had 
been  written,  Herondine  turned  away,  and  soon  after  left 
the  capitol,  while  Furflew  rubbed  his  hands  with  such  man- 
ifest delight  that  those  who  witnessed  the  exhibition  be- 
lieved him  temporarily  insane  or  a  born  lunatic. 

When  the  inauguration  of  Abraham  Lincoln  as  President 
of  the  United  States  was  completed  without  the  interrup- 
tion of  malicious  disturbances  as  expected,  Herondine  vis- 
ited the  War  Department.  As  he  did  not  desire  a  com- 
mission in  the  line  or  staff  of  the  army  or  service  on  board 
a  man-of-war,  he  was  offered  .the  control  of  the  Secret 
Service  Bureau,  an  institution  little  known  to  ordinary 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  145 

people,  but  one  that  rendered  most  important  services  in 
the  time  of  need.  Not  only  did  the  operation  of  this 
bureau  extend  from  the  Saint  Lawrence  to  the  Rio  Grande, 
from  the  Atlantic  to  the  Pacific,  but  the  friends  of  the  ad- 
ministration even  were  subjected  to  espionage,  so  decid- 
edly obtrusive  in  its  character  as  to  be  dreaded  as  much  as 
a  plague. 

The  highest  position  given  under  the  auspices  of  secret 
service  was  commissioner ;  the  lowest,  spy :  although  both 
might  be  convertible  in  an  emergency.  The  genius  dis- 
played in  the  business  of  the  bureau  was  excellent,  and 
would  have  done  honor  to  the  strategic  inner  work  of  a 
secret  society.  All  agents  were  to  act  in  an  independent 
manner  and  be  known  only  to  the  director  at  headquarters; 
but  they  carried  certain  signs  whereby  men  in  a  lower  rank 
or  class  might  procure  assistance,  when  necessary,  from 
those  of  a  higher  one,  if  present,  who  understood  them. 
The  headquarters  of  the  Western  Division  was  at  Saint 
Louis.  Declining  the  chieftanship  as  tending  to  confine  him 
inordinately  to  office  work  in  Washington,  Herondine  chose 
to  accept  a  roving  commission  as  best  adapted  to  his  wishes, 
and  through  his  solicitation  was  empowered  also  to  employ 
Furflew  as  attendant,  or  helper,  with  the  rank  of  spy. 

When  the  man  reported  at  the  appointed  time,  Heron- 
dine  made  him  acquainted  with  some  of  his  duties ;  in  fact, 
he  delivered  a  speech  with  a  far  more  serious  air  than  if  he 
had  an  audience  of  five  thousand  people  before  him. 

"Bannister  Furflew,"  he  said,  "consider  yourself  under 
pay  from  this  date.  The  amount  will  be  one  hundred 
dollars  per  month,  with  perquisites.  These  additional  allow- 
ances shall  be  subject  to  my  examination  and  approval. 
While  in  my  service,  you  must  hold  no  allegiance  for  any 


146  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

one  else.  You  must  be  mine,  soul  and  body.  Our  busi- 
ness will  be  to  collect  information  of  the  movements  or 
intentions  of  the  Confederacy,  so  as  to  aid  our  own  govern- 
ment in  similar  undertakings.  Ask  me  no  questions,  write 
no  letters,  give  no  opinion  to  strangers  about  the  North  one 
way  or  another,  and  conceal  your  real  character  by  every 
means  in  your  power.  Undoubtedly  we  shall  be  in  the 
midst  of  war  very  soon.  In  that  case,  if  your  profession 
was  known  to  the  authorities  of  the  South,  you  would  be 
shot  on  sight.  This,  however,  gives  only  half  of  the  perils  to 
which  your  condition  may  be  subject :  for  instance,  betray 
the  trust  reposed  in  you  by  me,  and  death  will  be  the  for- 
feit of  your  treachery." 

"  I  had  an  idea  once,"  said  Furflew,  "  that  shuffling  was 
a  dangerous  game ;  but  gracious  !  it  was  the  pink  of  perfec- 
tion compared  with  this.  I  won  money  at  trick  of  the 
loop  by  giving  the  hand  a  simple  turn  of  the  wrist ;  but 
golly  !  there  ain't  no  loophole  to  crawl  through  in  the 
new  job  any  more  than  if  I  was  screwed  up  in  my  coffin." 

"Be  careful,"  resumed  Herondine,  "and  you  will  be 
exposed  to  less  danger  than  if  you  were  in  the  field.  Play 
a  dual  part ;  that  is,  be  two  men  in  one,  but  never  what 
you  really  are." 

"  I  might  shove  my  old  trade  on  the  side,"  said  Furflew. 

"I  approve  it,"  replied  Herondine,  promptly.  "I  be- 
lieve it  will  be  legitimate  for  the  first  time,  under  the  cir- 
cumstances. Now,  furthermore,  you  must  always  deliver 
your  reports  verbally :  write  nothing  on  paper.  When  we 
are  in  secret  session,  the  sign  that  I  am  ready  to  receive 
reports  will  be  my  two  hands  held  up  with  the  fingers 
apart.  At  these  sessions  you  will  be  at  liberty  to  ask  ques- 
tions." 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  147 

"  It  would  be  handy  to  learn  the  dumb  language,"  re- 
marked Furflew,  with  a  long  face. 

Herondine  smiled,  but  resumed  in  a  business  way : 

"  Are  you  ready  to  take  the  ironclad  oath?  " 

"Oh!  ah!"  stammered  the  man,  "it's  risky,  but  the 
pay's  good.  One  must  do  something  for  a  living,  and  if 
killed  today  you  cannot  be  killed  tomorrow ;  so  here  goes." 

Furflew  then  held  up  his  hand  while  Herondine  read  for 
him  the  celebrated  ironclad  oath  which  persons  in  the  em- 
ployment of  the  government  at  that  time  had  been  accus- 
tomed to  take.  Then  the  instructions  continued. 

"  Our  first  expedition  will  be  to  Charleston,  South  Car- 
olina; you  will  go  there  in  advance  of  me  and  employ 
rooms.  I  am  to  be  known  as  Brother  Fishington,  prepar- 
ing for  the  ministry  of  the  Methodist  Church,  and  therefore 
desirous  of  seclusion,  the  better  to  prosecute  this  design. 
Say  I'm  a  Southern  man,  born  in  Louisiana,  where  you 
knew  my  father  and  grandfather,  as  well  as  my  cousins  on 
the  mother's  side,  the  Rungates.  These  details  should  be 
given  to  the  person  in  the  private  house  where  I  am  to 
room  and  board,  preferably  a  lady  of  the  Methodist  persua- 
sion, so  as  to  harmonize  with  the  character  assumed. 
Avoid  the  hotels.  You  can  take  up  your  quarters  in  a 
boarding  house  or  move  round  from  house  to  house  to  suit 
your  convenience.  Let  no  place  accessible  escape  you. 
Hear  everything  and  forget  nothing.  Meet  me  in  the 
suburbs  of  the  city,  the  last  station  on  the  railroad,  so  as  to 
get  me  into  quarters  without  having  to  submit  to  the  scru- 
tiny prevailing  at  the  depot." 

"  There  is  one  thing  I'd  like  to  know,  just  out  of  curios- 
ity," said  Furflew.  "  Why  is  it  necessary  to  give  the  secret 
sign  if  we  are  alone,  anyhow  ?  " 


148  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

Pausing  to  reflect  an  instant,  Herondine  answered  : 
"  I  might  have  some  one  in  the  closet,  you  foolish  man." 
"Ah!  "  exclaimed  Furflew,  seriously,  "  ain't  I  doggone, 
though?     It  never  struck  me  before." 

"Now,"  resumed  Herondine,  "such  questions  only 
waste  time  and  do  not  properly  pertain  to  your  duties. 
Every  regulation  of  this  kind  has  been  instituted  for  more 
reasons  than  one:  therefore  in  future  if  you  should  hear 
strange  sounds,  instead  of  asking  for  explanations  ascribe 
them  to  the  family  jar  next  door ;  or  see  curious  sights, 
rub  your  eyes  and  believe  a  mirage  is  coming  up.  Don't 
be  a  fool  if  you  can  help  it. ' ' 

After  this  wholesome  lesson,  and  armed  with  the  neces- 
sary expenses,  Furflew-departed  for  the  South.  The  dispo- 
sition he  possessed  previously  of  enlivening  dull  life  with 
mirthful  sallies  and  good  jokes  seemed  to  have  been 
brought  up  to  a  round  turn  or  changed  within  a  few  hours 
to  the  deep  gravity  of  a  man  who  had  heard  a  series  of 
sermons  on  death  and  damnation.  Unquestionably  Fur- 
flew  exhibited  a  long  face  and  a  sickly  pallor  while  journey- 
ing to  his  destination,  and  kept  closer  to  his  corner  in  the 
smoking  car,  where  he  had  gone  to  escape  observation, 
than  at  any  other  time  during  his  life. 

He  debated  with  himself.  Would  he  ever  return?  Was 
escape  possible  ?  His  final  answer  to  these  questions  was, 
"yes";  but  mark  you  what  a  glorious  thing  it  was  that  he 
knew  the  arts  of  shuffling,  juggling,  trick  of  the  loop,  and 
ventriloquism,  for  upon  these  he  depended  to  secure  the 
desired  immunity  from  detection.  Ah!  what  vile  men 
there  are  in  the  world,  he  thought,  who  tried  to  persuade 
him  he  was  iniquitous,  whereas  he  was  only  painstaking. 
See  what  he  would  do  in  the  South.  Turn  the  minds  of 


THE  fVA'ST  DEGREE.  149 

the  people  on  to  his  entertaining  exhibitions,  thus  afford- 
ing them  profit  and  amusement  and  security  for  himself ! 
Reflections  like  these  soon  inspired  confidence,  and  with 
confidence  soon  came  buoyancy  of  spirits.  When  he 
entered  Charleston  he  could  smile.  Remembering  the  char- 
acter that  Herondine  was  to  assume,  Furflew  went  to  work 
with  a  will  to  secure  quarters  for  him,  after  he  had  engaged 
accommodations  for  himself  at  a  commonplace  hotel. 
His  method  was  quite  efficient.  Based  on  information 
received  from  his  host,  he  visited  the  Methodist  church  in 
the  evening  during  the  progress  of  an  entertainment  to 
liquidate  the  pastor's  indebtedness.  There  he  inquired  of 
some  of  the  congregation  for  the  most  responsible  lady  in 
the  community  who  would  be  likely  to  room  and  board  a 
man  preparing  for  the  ministry.  He  was  told  there  was  a 
Mrs.  Whirlston,  wife  of  an  elder  —  a  widow,  however,  as 
the  poor  man  was  dead.  She  lived  in  a  neat  house  on  a 
retired  street,  and  was  actually  the  life  of  society.  Noth- 
ing could  goon  —  or  off,  for  the  matter  of  that  —  without 
her. 

Next  day  Furflew  saw  the  lady  and  her  house  and  her 
rooms.  He  told  her  how  Brother  Fishington  had  run  against 
him  in  Louisiana  at  one  time  and  he  wanted  now  to  recip- 
rocate in  hunting  up  for  him  respectable  lodgings.  The  lady 
seemed  well  pleased  with  the  proposition;  so  the  room 
was  engaged. 

Then  Furflew  turned  his  attention  to  Herondine's  arrival. 
As  originally  arranged,  he  stepped  off  the  cars  in  the  sub- 
urbs of  Charleston.  Furflew  saw  him  approach  as  he  sat  in 
the  waiting  room  of  the  station,  and  actually  opened  his 
mouth  in  wonder  at  the  transformation  he  had  undergone 
since  seeing  him  last.  The  long  black  coat,  the  white 


150  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

necktie,  the  felt  hat,  the  broad,  flat  boots,  and  the  sancti- 
monious air  were  present ;  and,  taking  off  his  hat,  it 
might  be  seen  that  his  hair  came  in  bangs  over  his  forehead 
—  a  fashion  much  courted  by  professional  men,  not  except- 
ing some  generals,  authors,  and  circus  clowns,  probably  on 
account  of  a  wise  provision  of  nature  which  fascinates  the 
minds  of  its  victims  so  as  to  be  able  to  bring  them  all,  in 
this  manner,  on  a  level. 

"Brother  Fishington,"  said  Furflew,  taking  Herondine 
by  the  hand,  "  How  do  you  do  since  I  saw  you  in  Louisi- 
ana ?  ' '  Then  he  winked  his  off  eye,  the  one  farthest  from 
observers,  and  said  in  a  low  voice  :  "  You  beat  me  ;  you're 
perfect." 

"Very  well,  I  thank  you,"  answered  Herondine  in  a 
general  way.  "Ah  !  by  the  bye,  what  is  your  name?  "  he 
continued. 

"  How  soon  the  brethren  forget !  "  said  Furflew.  "  My 
name  is  Curler." 

Then  the  conversation  drifted  into  topics  such  as  citizens 
of  Charleston  would  be  most  likely  to  pursue  at  that  time, 
until  they  reached  the  house  where  Herondine  was  to  stay. 
When  the  landlady  appeared,  Furflew,  advancing,  said  with 
a  great  show  of  ceremony  : 

"  Madam,  this  is  Brother  Fishington.  Brother,  Mrs. 
Whirlston." 

Then  he  turned  and  went  away ;  but  as  soon  as  he  found 
himself  alone  in  the  street,  he  threw  up  his  hands  before 
him  with  the  ringers  open,  to  signify  to  himself  he  was  in 
secret  session,  and  said  : 

"  If  that  ain't  the  softest  billet  in  this  here  town,  I'll  be 
doggone  !  " 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  151 

CHAPTER  XII. 

WHAT    CAME    FROM    THE    DARKNESS. 

HERONDINE  found  Mrs.  Whirlston  an  estimable 
woman,  with  large  motherly  sympathies,  good 
household  ability,  and  an  active  watchfulness  directed 
towards  the  coffers  of  her  acquaintances  for  the  benefit  of 
the  church.  In  person  she  was  of  medium  size,  weighing 
about  one  hundred  and  fifty  pounds,  comfortably  fat, 
vigorous  in  health,  jolly  tempered,  and  showing  little,  if 
any,  signs  of  physical  decay,  although  her  only  daughter, 
Cynthia,  was  marriageable. 

One  might  suppose  that  Herondine,  or  Brother  Fishing- 
ton,  would  be  given  the  best  room  in  the  house,' not  only 
on  account  of  his  relationship  to  the  church  but  because  he 
appeared  the  superior  man  in  the  well-fitting  disguise  as- 
sumed by  him  ;  but  his  landlady  thought  otherwise,  for  the 
reason  that  this  sacred  precinct  of  the  establishment  had 
been  reserved  for  the  accommodation  of  company  or  tran- 
sient visitors,  without  whose  society  she  did  not  think  it 
possible  to  exist.  Besides  exchanging  visits  with  a  set 
scattering  from  good  to  medium,  she  entertained.  Hence 
the  apartment  referred  to,  known  as  the  front  parlor,  where 
these  meetings  or  entertainments  took  place  must  be  as 
free  from  ordinary  intrusion  as  the  region  of  the  gods.  It 
was  also  tastefully,  if  not  sumptuously,  furnished.  In  the 
earnest  desire  to  keep  out  flies,  fresh  air,  sunshine,  and 
light  were  more  or  less  excluded,  giving  the  place  a  vault- 
like  odor  as  well  as  a  sepulchral  aspect.  However,  all 
these  appearances  were  fashionable  then  and  there,  and 
may  be  elsewhere. 


152  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

Herondine's  accommodation  was  by  no  means  neg- 
lected. His  bedroom  was  on  the  second  floor;  and  Mrs. 
Whirlston's  own  sitting  room,  a  cosy  apartment  on  a  line 
with  the  parlor,  but  inward,  backward,  and  sideward, 
would  be  at  his  service  on  all  occasions,  which  went  far  to 
show  that  he  actually  fared  better  in  the  end  than  a  person 
would  imagine  at  first  sight. 

Miss  Cynthia,  to  whom  he  was  introduced,  appeared 
delicate  and  somewhat  passive  in  her  manner  or  methods  ; 
devoted,  however,  to  church  meetings,  Sunday  schools, 
and  kindergarten  work ;  and  exhibited  no  interest  what- 
ever in  the  manly  form  of  Herondine,  which  was  heartily 
appreciated  by  him.  He  was  informed  in  confidence  by 
her  mother  that  Miss  Cynthia  had  an  admirer  named  Tup- 
pins,  a  small  man  with  sloping  shoulders  and  a  tallow- 
looking  face,  living  with  a  small  farmer  beyond  the  sub- 
urbs of  the  city.  He  had  come  once  a  week,  generally  on 
Sunday  evenings,  for  years  without  indicating  in  any  way 
what  his  intentions  were  or  what  he  proposed  to  do.  It 
was  believed  he  had  been  spellbound,  both  by  the  splendor 
of  the  parlor  when  illuminated  and  the  charm  of  the  young 
lady's  society,  and  could  not  move  one  way  or  another, 
backwards  or  forwards.  As  he  was  the  sole  support  of  an 
aged  mother,  the  usual  excuse  offered  for  such  imbecility, 
his  visits  were  tolerated;  besides,  there  were  no  rivals  in 
the  case  :  better  have  him,  perhaps,  than  none  at  all. 

The  form  of  entertainment  given  to  Tuppins  resolved 
itself  into  one  program  the  year  round.  First,  on  entering, 
Miss  Cynthia  played  and  sang  for  him  the  celebrated 
melody,  "Carry  Me  Over  the  River";  then  there  was  an 
interval  for  conversation  on  hopes  and  fears.  The  second 
part  was  filled  up  by  "  Weigh  Your  Anchor  with  the  Tide," 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  153 

followed  by  reports  or  opinions  on  the  conduct  of  others, 
unjustly  termed  "  scandal  "  by  the  outside  world ;  and  the 
night's  amusement  closed  with  "  When  We  Meet  in  Zion." 
After  this,  Tuppins  went  slowly  into  the  night  like  one  half 
asleep — a  condition  presumably  correct,  seeing  that  the 
time  of  his  departure  was  midnight. 

A  few  days'  experience  in  his  new  character  convinced 
Herondine  that  he  never  had  made  such  a  miscalculation 
as  when  he  imagined  he  could  live  a  secluded  life  as  the 
roomer  of  Mrs.  Whirlston.  When  it  became  known  that 
a  brother  preparing  for  the  ministry  was  boarding  at  her 
house,  the  place  was  besieged  by  visitors,  and,  what  was 
most  embarrassing,  all  wanted  to  see  him.  His  name  be- 
came like  a  familiar  word  that  had  been  echoed  abroad. 
It  was  Brother  Fishington  here  and  Brother  Fishington 
there,  the  student  this  and  the  scholar  that.  Mrs.  Whirl- 
ston told  the  people  interested  that  he  would  be  pastor  the 
next  term.  Therefore  hope  ran  high  in  expectation  of 
hearing  him  preach,  as  he  was  a  fluent  speaker  and  a  hand- 
some man. 

All  this  brought  a  cloud  over  the  inner  life  of  Heron- 
dine.  He  actually  considered  how  he  might  escape  noto- 
riety by  falling  downstairs  and  dislocating  some  of  his 
joints  so  as  to  be  confined  to  his  room  without  interrup- 
tion or  scrutiny.  He  abandoned  the  idea,  however,  on 
calling  to  mind  the  case  of  a  popular  man  of  his  acquaint- 
ance confined  to  his  residence  by  sickness ;  how  the  door- 
bell had  to  be  muffled  with  the  piano  cover,  the  blinds 
drawn  down  as  if  the  individual  were  dead,  the  stairs 
strewn  with  additional  carpeting,  and  a  guard  placed  at 
each  door  of  the  house  to  prevent  forcible  entrance,  while 
the  invalid  trembled  beneath  the  bedclothes  with  fear  as  if 


154  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

he  had  the  ague.  No,  it  would  be  better,  he  thought,  to 
remain  in  condition,  so  as  to  be  qualified  to  run  should  the 
pressure  brought  to  bear  on  him  be  too  hard  or  unendur- 
able. 

Day  after  day  his  situation  became  more  unfortunate. 
When  introductions  were  growing  less,  and  the  nine  days 
accorded  gossip  to  ponder  over  the  wonders  of  such  an 
arrival  as  his  had  given  place  to  more  sober  reflection,  Mrs. 
Whirlston  proposed,  to  the  utter  astonishment  of  Heron- 
dine,  that  he  conduct  the  services  at  the  church  Sunday  in 
the  absence  of  the  regular  pastor,  who  had  taken  a  vacation 
for  the  benefit  of  his  health.  At  first,  Herondine  expostu- 
lated, begged,  craved  to  be  excused,  but  all  to  no  purpose. 
Then  he  pleaded  incapacity,  twisted  in  his  seat,  coughed, 
fumed,  stormed,  stamped  on  the  floor,  in  the  vain  endeavor 
to  escape  from  the  trying  ordeal.  Mrs.  Whirlston  smiled, 
then  laughed  outright  at  so  good  a  joke. 

"Brother  Fishington,  I  have  you  in  hand,"  she  said. 
"I'll  make  a  man  of  you.  We  must  not  disappoint  the 
congregation,  because  I  have  already  assured  them  you  will 
be  there.  A  pastor  never  has  any  will  of  his  own,  remem- 
ber, but  is  led  by  the  brethren." 

"Led  by  the  nose,"  remarked  Herondine,  in  despera- 
tion. 

Mrs.  Whirlston's  merry  laughter  at  this  sally  rang  out 
like  the  clear  sound  of  a  bell. 

"I'll  make  it  easy  for  you,"  she  said. 

Fortunately  for  Herondine  he  had  witnessed  the  method 
of  conducting  services  in  church  on  former  occasions;  so 
he  finally  consented  to  officiate  as  requested.  Lest,  perad- 
venture,  he  should  become  too  conspicuous,  he  prepared  for 
the  occasion.  He  ruffled  a  portion  of  his  hair,  wore  col- 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  155 

ored  glasses,  and  marked  his  face  in  such  a  way  that  the 
natural  expression  of  it  was  completely  changed,  especially 
when  seen  at  some  distance.  Mrs.  Whirlston  was  a  little 
shocked  at  the  transformation,  declaring  it  was  mean  of 
him  to  hide  his  good  looks,  but  was  reconciled  when  in- 
formed he  did  it  out  of  pure  modesty. 

What  seemed  a  climax  during  the  services  on  the  occa- 
sion occurred  when  a  Southern  enthusiast  stood  up  in  the 
congregation  and  asked  Brother  Fishington  if  he  would 
not  say  a  prayer  for  the  success  of  the  new  government, 
the  constitution  of  the  Confederacy  having  been  adopted  in 
convention  at  Montgomery,  Alabama,  a  few  days  before. 
Herondine,  without  hesitation,  raising  up  his  hands,  said: 

"  O  Lord,  scatter  the  enemies  of  our  government.  May 
they  perish  like  grasshoppers  in  a  Kansas  storm.  May  the 
withering  blight  of  incompetency  afflict  their  designs  so  as 
to  make  them  incapable  of  injury  to  us.  Through  conten- 
tions and  dissensions  may  they  suffer  defeat  in  battle,  until 
they  are  wholly  subdued  and  become  the  sport  of  the  civil- 
ized world.  Amen." 

Herondine' s  earnestness  arose  from  the  fact  that  the 
prayer  was  said  for  his  own  government,  whereas  his 
Southern  hearers  believed  it  had  been  dictated  for  theirs. 
When  the  murmurs  of  applause  which  greeted  this  effort 
had  subsided,  Mrs.  Whirlston,  with  a  kindling  eye,  re- 
marked to  a  lady  near  her  : 

"  I  knew  it  was  in  him.     I  can  tell  every  time." 

To  which  the  other  answered  : 

"A  small  blame  to  you.  Who  wouldn't  with  such  a 
man?" 

At  the  evening  services  there  was  a  large  assemblage, 
after  which  it  might  be  seen  that  Tuppins  stood  at  the  outer 


156  /A  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

gate  waiting  to  accompany  Miss  Cynthia  home  and  listen 
entranced  to  the  regular  program  beginning  with  "Carry 
Me  Over  the  River."  This  laudable  design  left  Mrs. 
Whirlston  to  be  escorted  by  Herondine. 

The  night  was  dark.  The  feeble  light  of  the  gas  lamps 
extended  little  more  than  ten  or  twelve  feet,  leaving  the 
gloom  to  prevail  in  the  intervals.  The  sounds  of  footsteps 
were  dying  out.  Occasionally  a  front  door  would  be  heard 
to  slam  as  the  last  straggler  entered  the  house  and  hurried- 
ly shut  it  as  if  a  robber  were  at  his  heals.  The  deep  silence 
of  temporary  death  was  beginning  to  assert  itself  when  they 
heard  a  quick  footstep,  evidently  of  a  man  coming  towards 
them  on  the  same  sidewalk.  It  was  yet  some  distance  to 
the  place  where  they  were  walking. 

"Seems  to  me  I  ought  to  know  that  step,"  said  Mrs. 
Whirlston.  "  I  study  the  tread  of  people,  do  you  know?  " 
she  continued. 

"For  what  purpose?  "  inquired  Herondine. 

"As  an  index  of  character,"  she  answered.  "As  the 
mind  directs  the  footsteps,  it  is  possible  to  determine  its 
character  through  closely  contemplating  their  movements." 

"That  is  an  original  idea,"  returned  Herondine.  "  It 
is  mind-reading  through  a  medium.  No  doubt  something 
might  be  gained  by  the  process.  What  have  you  read  from 
the  sound  of  my  feet  ?  ' ' 

"  I  have  not  heard  them  when  off  your  guard,"  she  an- 
swered. "  Some  day  I  may;  but  the  man  approaching  is 
dangerous.  I  do  not  know  how  the  information  comes. 
It  is,  no  doubt,  intuition.  He  is  a  stranger." 

They  had  reached  the  outer  edge  of  a  circle  of  light  sur- 
rounding a  lamp-post  just  as  the  man  came  through  it 
from  the  darkness  on  the  other  side.  They  saw  him 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  157 

clearly,  and  Herondine  started  so  violently  that  Mrs. 
Whirlston,  who  had  hold  of  his  arm  at  the  time,  felt  the 
shock. 

"Brother  Fishington,"  she  said  solemnly,  "you  know 
that  man." 

"Yes  —  no.  I  only  thought  it  might  be  one  that  I  had 
seen  before." 

"Where  have  you  seen  him?"  inquired  Mrs.  Whirlston 
keenly. 

"Where?"  answered  Herondine,  seeking  some  way  of 
evading  a  direct  reply.  "  In  the  cars  at  the  wharf." 

Mrs.  Whirlston  laughed  at  the  absurdity  of  such  an 
answer ;  but  before  the  conversation  was  resumed  they  en- 
tered the  house,  and  Herondine  went  direct  to  his  room 
upstairs,  through  whose  open  door  the  strains  of  "  Weigh 
Your  Anchor  with  the  Tide  "  was  pouring  from  the  front 
parlor  below,  where  Tuppins  sat  dumfounded  as  usual. 

Herondine,  after  adjusting  the  window  blinds  and  light- 
ing the  gas,  examined  his  face  in  the  mirror.  He  was  pale 
and  a  trifle  nervous.  Even  on  the  part  of  a  brave  man, 
these  signs  were  excusable,  for  the  person  who  had  emerged 
from  the  darkness  and  whose  footfalls  had  been  interpreted 
by  Mrs.  Whirlston,  was  his  archenemy,  Danderton  Hitch  ! 

During  the  following  few  days  Herondine  kept  indoors, 
pleading  indisposition,  and  Mrs.  Whirlston  began  to  sus- 
pect that  the  appearance  of  the  stranger  on  Sunday  night 
had  something  to  do  with  it.  However,  she  did  not  press 
her  inquiries  further.  On  Thursday  of  the  same  week, 
Furflew  called  and  made  his  first  report.  It  was  decidedly 
sensational. 

He  had  wandered  freely  through  the  city  practicing 
ventriloquism  as  a  starter,  reserving  his  other  accomplish- 


158  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

ments  for  future  use,  lest  the  civil  authorities  might  take 
exception  to  them  and  cause  his  arrest.  It  was  gathered 
from  him  that  the  feeling  against  the  North  was  very  bitter. 
Indeed,  he  had  heard  some  speeches  whose  virulence, 
denunciation,  and  threatenings  struck  him  dumb  with 
fear,  for  never  before  did  he  understand  what  force  could 
be  infused  into  language.  Traitors  and  spies  were  spe- 
cially mentioned  as  obnoxious,  and  several  times  he  was 
questioned  as  to  his  political  opinions  and  sympathies. 
On  this  account  he  suggested  the  propriety  of  joining  a 
military  organization,  which  would  have  the  effect  of 
removing  doubts  of  his  character  from  the  minds  of  South- 
ern men,  to  which  Herondine  consented. 

The  special  information  he  had  to  communicate  was 
most  important.  It  was  that  preparations  were  being  made 
to  bombard  Fort  Sumter,  in  Charleston  harbor,  which 
was  held  for  the  United  States  government  by  a  mere 
handful  of  troops.  He  had  seen  General  Beauregard 
actually  superintending  the  construction  of  some  of  the 
offensive  works;  and,  from  all  he  heard  said  about  the 
matter,  the  fatal  day  could  not  be  far  distant. 

When  Furflew  left  to  return  to  his  duties  in  the  city, 
Herondine  sent  a  night  dispatch  in  cipher  to  Washington 
as  follows:  "Sumter  is  threatened.  Beauregard  pressing 
matters  to  a  crisis.  Relief  is  needed  at  once." 

Now  that  he  had  given  sufficient  reasons  to  be  permitted 
to  enjoy  seclusion  during  his  preparatory  course  of  studies, 
he  smiled  to  think  he  would  not  be  disturbed  in  future ; 
but  alas  !  he  little  knew  how  cleverness  is  frequently  de- 
feated by  stratagem  moving  in  the  opposite  direction. 
While  his  original  design  had  been  concocted  so  as  to 
enable  him  to  live  in  the  enemy's  country  without  being 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  159 

seen  except  at  rare  intervals,  Mrs.  Whirlston's  purpose 
appeared  to  be  to  have  him  known,  understood,  and  ad- 
mired by  every  man,  woman,  and  child  in  Charleston; 
whether  for  the  good  of  society,  the  church,  or  herself 
could  not  be  easily  determined.  On  the  present  occasion, 
when  he  returned  to  the  house  after  sending  his  dispatch 
to  Washington,  she  had  news  of  great  import  to  communi- 
cate to  him. 

"  General  Beauregard,"  she  said,  "will  be  given  a  public 
entertainment  tomorrow  night,  and  you  and  I  are  going. 
I  bought  a  new  hat  for  the  occasion.  See !  here  it  is. 
Isn't  it  lovely?  " 

Being  in  the  sitting  room,  Herondine  staggered  into  a 
seat  like  one  intoxicated.  This  announcement  struck  him 
like  a  cannon  ball.  Some  one  in  the  crowd  would  doubt- 
less know  him,  even  if  Danderton  were  not  there,  and  such 
recognition  might  lead  to  serious  consequences.  The  lady 
continued : 

"  I  have  friends  that  are  related  to  the  General,  and  I 
can  introduce  you  to  him.  We  must  make  you  acquainted 
with  the  principal  men  in  town  so  as  to  be  social  and 
agreeable." 

Herondine  could  offer  no  objection,  seeing  how  thor- 
oughly he  had  been  trapped  in  his  own  net;  but  he 
thought  of  his  wife  in  her  loneliness  and  wondered  if  she 
dreamed  of  the  difficulties  that  now  were  beginning  to 
meet  him,  threatening  exposure,  capture,  or,  perhaps, 
death.  Yet  his  duty  called  for  all  these  and  more ;  hence 
he  told  his  landlady  he  would  be  happy  to  accompany  her 
on  the  occasion  named. 

The  reception  given  to  General  Beauregard  by  the 
people  of  Charleston  was  handsome  and  enjoyable.  On 


160  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

the  brink  of  a  precipice  they  were  merry,  which,  perhaps, 
is  one  of  the  great  secrets  of  living  well.  The  manhood, 
the  intelligence,  and  the  fashion  were  there  to  greet  the 
soldier.  Mrs.  Whirlston,  besides  being  on  the  arm  of 
Brother  Fishington,  had  remarkable  twinkling  light  in  her 
eyes,  and  laughed  at  the  least  display  of  wit.  Her  high 
bosom  on  these  occasions  rose  and  fell  like  the  tide  reach- 
ing to  catch  the  maximum  point  of  its  course  on  the  shore. 
Cynthia  accompanied  Tuppins,  but  was  not  of  her  mother's 
party. 

The  hero  of  the  hour  made  a  circuit  of  the  hall  accom- 
panied by  a  few  chosen  friends.  When  in  the  neighbor- 
hood of  Mrs.  Whirlston,  one  of  her  lady  acquaintances  met 
the  General  and  secured  the  desired  introduction.  When 
Herondine  was  presented,  Beauregard,  remarking  the  sol- 
dierly appearance  of  the  man,  said  : 

"  Brother,  I  would  have  been  well  pleased  if  you  had 
selected  the  military  instead  of  the  religious  profession. 
Your  shoulders  seem  better  fitted  for  the  field  than  the 
pulpit." 

To  which  Herondine  replied  : 

"Thank  you,  General.  Had  I  known  you  were  to 
command,  I  might  have  done  so." 

"  It  is  not  yet  too  late,"  said  Beauregard  seriously.  "  I 
shall—" 

"Oh  no,  General,"  said  Mrs.  Whirlston,  suddenly 
coming  to  the  front  in  a  beseeching  manner.  "  We  must 
have  him." 

The  General  smiled  good-humoredly,  and  before  moving 
on  said  in  so  low  a  voice  that  none  but  the  lady  heard 
him  : 

"  Yes,  madam,  you  must  have  him." 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  161 

"Ah!  "  ejaculated  Mrs.  Whirlston,  turning  to  Brother 
Fishington  and  clasping  her  hands  with  delight,  "how 
penetrating  he  is  !  He  actually  can  read  one's  thoughts; 
but  isn't  he  a  love  of  a  man  ?  " 

"He  is  very  affable,"  replied  her  companion,  "which 
is,  perhaps,  the  most  noticeable  sign  of  a  gentleman  to  be 
met  in  public." 

Herondine,  scanning  the  features  of  the  people  eagerly, 
saw  no  one  but  strangers.  Danderton  was  not  there. 
From  parties  conversing  with  his  landlady,  he  gathered 
that  Fort  Sumter  would  be  attacked  without  further  delay, 
as  the  preparations  for  its  reduction  were  completed. 
This  news  made  him  sad;  seeing  which,  Mrs.  Whirlston 
entertained  him  with  lively  descriptions  of  many  society 
people  in  the  hall  until  they  returned  home. 

The  rumors  whispered  from  house  to  house  regarding 
the  contemplated  siege  of  Fort  Sumter  were  true.  Furflew 
confirmed  them  in  making  his  second  report  to  Herondine, 
soon  after  the  night  of  the  entertainment.  Furflew  had 
enlisted  in  the  Confederate  service,  the  better  to  obtain 
information,  and  was  attached  to  a  battery  on  James 
Island.  He  intimated  that  there  were  two  other  places  in 
the  harbor  besides  this  where  batteries  had  been  placed  — 
on  Sullivan's  Island  and  Morris  Island,  the  former  contain- 
ing the  historic  Fort  Moultrie,  which  mounted  thirty  guns. 
There  was  also  an  ironclad  floating  battery,  carrying  four 
guns  of  large  size.  All  these  would  play  on  Sumter.  The 
Southern  authorities  hoped  the  officers  and  enlisted  men 
composing  the  garrison  of  the  fort  would  join  their  cause 
and  thus  prevent  a  battle,  but  they  were  disappointed. 

Major  Robert  Anderson  and  his  command,  consisting  of 
two  skeleton  companies  of  the  First  United  States  Artillery, 


162  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

about  sixty-five  men,  remained  true  to  their  duty  and  to 
the  United  States.  Anderson,  although  a  Southern  man 
and  a  slave  owner,  was  the  first  conspicuous  example  show- 
ing the  nice  points  of  honor  and  genuine  manhood  under 
the  circumstances  surrounding  him,  and  the  severest  test  to 
which  human  life  may  be  subject.  His  method  of  conduct- 
ing the  defense  of  his  charge,  his  patriotic  sentiments  for 
the  government  which  had  honored  and  promoted  him,  his 
courage  under  fire,  and  the  broad  views  of  right  and  justice 
which  were  his  in  the  darkest  hours  of  his  great  trial  — 
proved  beyond  a  doubt  that  he  was  then  and  would  be  for- 
ever a  noble  man.  His  individualism  disappeared  for  the 
general  good  of  the  United  States. 

Furflew,  before  leaving  the  presence  of  Herondine,  had 
something  special  to  propose.  It  was  this  :  if  he  desired 
to  witness  the  bombardment,  Furflew  could  give  him  the 
exact  time  at  or  near  the  wharf.  General  Beauregard  had 
his  headquarters  in  Charleston,  from  which  place  he  dis- 
patched messages  to  the  detachments  under  his  command. 
Furflew  had  gained  the  confidence  of  the  officer  empowered 
to  make  details,  and  requested  to  be  one  of  the  men  sent 
to  the  city  on  special  duty ;  hence  he  would  meet  Heron- 
dine  at  an  intermediate  place.  As  Beauregard's  officers 
had  already  begun  to  demand  the  surrender  of  Sumter,  it 
was  probable  that  action  would  commence  next  morning  at 
daybreak,  in  case  of  refusal.  Then  the  men  separated. 

Herondine  in  the  intermediate  time  discoursed  with 
Mrs.  Whirlston  on  the  dreadful  nature  of  war,  and  added 
he  wished  to  see  for  himself  the  opening  of  the  campaign, 
so  as  to  moralize  on  it  for  the  benefit  of  religion.  With 
her  knowledge,  therefore,  he  left  the  house  after  dark,  and, 
promising  to  return  soon,  proceeded  to  the  wharf  for  the 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  163 

desired  information.  It  was  near  midnight  before  Furflew 
put  in  an  appearance,  but  when  he  did  he  merely  pushed  a 
piece  of  paper  into  Herondine's  hand  and  passed  on  with- 
out speaking.  The  paper  when  unfolded  contained  these 
words :  "  At  daybreak." 

Satisfied  with  the  result  of  his  watchfulness,  Herondine 
returned  to  his  lodgings  —  not  to  sleep,  however,  but  to 
a\vait  the  coming  of  the  greatest  event  ever  witnessed  in 
the  course  of  his  life,  one  that  was  to  awake  the  people  of 
two  sections  of  a  rich  and  powerful  nation  to  a  conscious- 
ness that  the  fratricidal  strife  had  begun  which  would  des- 
olate many  a  fertile  plain  and  bring  to  premature  graves 
the  bravest  and  the  dearest  of  the  manhood  of  their 
families. 

It  was  April.  The  genial  spring  had  descended  from 
heaven,  bringing  with  it  verdure,  blossoms,  perfume,  and 
balmy  air  to  mankind,  irrespective  of  condition  or  party. 
Notwithstanding  the  fascination  of  its  presence,  the  hearts 
of  men  were  filled  with  malice  and  the  bitterness  which 
produces  murderous  strife.  Herondine,  at  the  open  win- 
dow, towards  the  dawn  of  the  fatal  day,  looked  into  the 
darkness  and  contemplated  the  two  powers  here  at  work  — 
the  hand  of  God  with  its  incomparable  gifts,  and  man 
with  the  sword  ready  to  slay  his  brother.  Surely  this 
irreverent  exhibition,  so  palpable  even  to  an  unphilosophic 
mind,  must  end  in  terror,  ruin,  and  destruction.  Above 
there  was  glory  in  the  atmosphere,  as  if  the  souls  of  man- 
kind were  invited  to  enjoy  a  felicitous  state  without  tasting 
death ;  while  below,  in  the  midst  of  beauty  and  compe- 
tence, there  stalked  premeditated  carnage,  hatred,  and  all 
the  worst  passions  that  brutalize  the  nature  of  the  human 
kind. 


164  AV  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

A  light  mist  arose  from  the  waters  of  the  harbor  before 
morning,  as  if  it  were  the  last  attempt  of  the  Infinite  to 
prevent  a  conflict :  but  it  was  not  sufficient  to  totally  ob- 
scure objects ;  it  only  chilled  the  air  and  made  the  actors 
uncomfortable. 

Herondine  occupied  an  elevated  position.  As  he  stood 
watching  the  obscurity  changing  its  character  by  the  admix- 
ture of  gray,  and  marveled  on  the  great  silence  pervading 
the  city,  he  saw  a  red  light  like  a  rocket  rise  suddenly  out 
of  the  darkness  at  one  point,  describe  an  arc  of  a  circle  in 
the  air,  and  descend  again  to  the  earth,  bursting  at  the 
point  of  contact.  Then  a  deep,  loud  report  followed, 
resembling  a  thunderclap,  which  rattled  the  glass  in  the 
windows,  shook  the  buildings  in  Charleston,  and  awoke  the 
inhabitants.  It  was  the  first  shot  of  the  war;  and  Heron- 
dine,  understanding  its  significance,  trembled.  In  a  little 
time  another  report  was  heard,  and  then  several  at  the 
same  instant,  indicating  that  additional  batteries  had  joined 
in  the  action.  The  scene  was  one  to  inspire  terror,  know- 
ing that  the  destruction  of  human  life  was  the  principal 
object. 

The  people  dressed  hastily  and  crowded  into  the  streets 
intent  on  seeing  all  that  could  be  seen  or  to  inquire  into 
the  particulars  of  the  bombardment.  Many  sought  elevated 
places,  to  gain  a  view  of  the  display  —  the  flashing  of  the 
guns,  and  the  clouds  of  thick  smoke  which  rolled  over  the 
surface  of  the  earth  and  were  then  carried  off  by  the  wind. 

Notwithstanding  their  sympathies  in  favor  of  their  own 
cause,  the  faces  of  the  people  were  blanched  by  the  reflec- 
tion of  some  indescribable  horror.  The  void  roused  by  the 
presumption  of  man  struck  back  by  a  method  that  even  the 
bravest  felt  to  be  fearful.  The  uproar  in  the  heavens  re- 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  165 

sembled  a  great  storm  supplemented  by  a  conflagration 
involving  both  earth  and  sky.  When  daylight  appeared, 
the  batteries  of  Fort  Sumter  returned  the  fire  and  added 
to  the  general  confusion.  The  echoes  of  the  volleys 
increased  the  sounds  fourfold.  Many  sensitive  people  felt 
sick,  and  others  occasionally  thought  of  the  brave  band  of 
men  within  the  fort  fighting  for  honor  and  nationality 
against  fearful  odds. 

Mrs.  Whirlston  dressed  hastily,  and  joined  Herondine 
at  the  window  soon  after  the  firing  began.  She  was  so 
much  alarmed  that  speech  forsook  her  for  the  time  being. 
In  deference  to  her  good  heart,  it  may  also  be  said  she 
wept  silently  over  the  misfortune  of  the  war  and  the  inequal- 
ity of  the  contest  going  on  in  the  harbor.  This  inequality 
seemed  to  imply  guilt  to  the  larger  party,  which  even  the 
usages  or  privileges  of  warfare  could  not  palliate. 

Next  day  the  Federals  surrendered  and  the  South  scored 
the  first  victory. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

AN    OLD    CRAFT   SIGHTED. 

TAKING  advantage  of  the  general  good  feeling  among 
the   officers  of   Beauregard's  army  on  the  fall  of 
Sumter,  Furflew  obtained  three  days'  leave  of  absence  from 
his  battery.     The  news  he  brought  Herondine  read  like  a 
novel,  it  was  so  interesting. 

Furflew  was  present  at  the  firing  of  the  first  shot.  It 
was  a  shell  discharged  from  a  ten-inch  mortar  belonging  to 
one  of  the  batteries  on  James  Island,  which  is  washed  by 
the  confluence  of  the  Ashley  and  Cooper  rivers,  these 


166  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

streams  bounding  Charleston  farther  to  the  northeast.  The 
order  to  fire  came  in  about  four  o'clock  in  the  morning. 
The  men  of  the  battery,  excepting  a  small  guard,  were 
asleep,  but  were  aroused  immediately  by  some  of  the  non- 
commissioned ofBcers  going  among  them  and  pulling  them 
out  of  their  bunks.  When  everything  was  ready  for  ac- 
tion, the  privilege  of  firing  the  first  gun  of  the  war  was 
offered  a  gentleman  present,  who  refused  on  conscientious 
grounds ;  but  immediately  thereafter  some  one,  a  civilian, 
stepped  forward,  and,  saluting  the  officer  in  charge,  said : 

"  Captain,  I  shall  be  pleased  to  fire  the  first  shot." 

"We  have  men  enough  in  the  battery  to  perform  that 
service,"  was  the  reply ;  "  but  who  are  you  ?  " 

Furflew  could  not  hear  what  the  stranger  said,  and  then 
another  individual  coming  up  made  an  explanation.  This 
seemed  satisfactory,  as  the  captain  asked  no  further  ques- 
tions, but  at  half  past  four  fired  the  mortar  himself. 

The  first  man,  who,  in  the  manner  above  described,  be- 
came conspicuous  by  making  the  request,  was  tall,  dark- 
complexioned,  with  a  high  shoulder,  and  eyes  that  trem- 
bled in  their  sockets.  He  seemed  to  be  well  known  to  the 
men  in  power  —  a  circumstance  that  induced  Furflew  to 
learn  the  particulars  of  his  history.  It  appeared  the  man 
in  question  came  into  the  state  with  his  father  last  winter. 
They  were  Westerners,  and  possessed  ample  means,  for 
they  engaged  rooms  at  a  family  hotel  of  good  reputation 
and  moved  among  the  men  who  proposed  to  govern  the 
South.  The  father,  in  order  to  secure  confidence  and 
some  social  standing,  made  arrangements  for  the  purchase 
of  Confederate  bonds,  investing  his  entire  fortune  in  them, 
thus  becoming,  to  all  intents  and  purposes,  an  active  mem- 
ber of  the  Confederacy.  For  this  act,  and  also  on  account 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  167 

of  the  eagerness  with  which  he  espoused  the  hostile  feeling 
against  the  Federal  government,  he  and  his  son  were  given 
important  positions.  They  were  kept  in  close  relationship 
with  the  authorities  in  Charleston,  being  attached  to  a 
detective  agency  similar  to  the  one  at  Washington  in  the 
interests  of  the  North,  and  were  rising  rapidly  in  the  pro- 
fession on  account  of  their  knowledge  of  Northern  men 
whom  they  were  instructed  to  shadow. 

Herondine  was  astounded  at  this  news.  While  he  was 
aware  that  Danderton  Hitch  was  in  Charleston  (for  the  per- 
son described  by  Furflew  was  no  other  than  he),  it  seemed 
incredible  he  should  have  gained  such  favor  in  the  South 
and  appear  so  soon  in  direct  opposition  to  the  business  at 
which  Herondine  was  engaged.  It  -looked  as  if  it  were  the 
old  trick  of  Greek  against  Greek  or  a  fatality.  There  could 
be  no  doubt  now  of  the  danger  encompassing  him,  for,  if 
once  recognized  by  either  Danderton  or  his  father,  he  was 
sure  of  being  arrested  and  tried  for  his  life. 

After  instructing  Furflew  as  to  how  he  should  act  in  case 
of  an  emergency  when  ordered  to  retreat,  Herondine 
turned  attention  to  his  own  case.  He  determined  in  future 
to  remain  in  the  house  except  at  night,  and  then,  when 
abroad,  to  keep  out  of  public  thoroughfares  and  social 
gatherings. 

When  bringing  the  subject  to  the  notice  of  Mrs.  Whirl- 
ston  next  day,  he  insinuated  the  probability  of  the  author- 
ities claiming  him  for  military  service  if  seen  much  in 
public,  which  had  the  desired  effect  of  making  that  lady  as 
anxious  to  conceal  his  identity  as  he  was  himself;  although 
this  did  not  prove  she  was  not  patriotic,  but  only  that  she 
loved  the  interests  of  the  church  better  than  those  of  the 
state. 


168  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

This  master  stroke  of  ingenious  stratagem  did  not  come 
a  minute  too  soon.  While  the  two  friends  were  yet  delib- 
erating on  the  feasibility  of  hiding  Brother  Fishington  if 
absolutely  necessary  in  one  of  the  clothes  closets  or  under 
the  bed  upstairs,  an  ominous  ring  was  heard  at  the  front 
door.  Mrs.  Whirlston  knew  it  to  be  of  this  character 
because  none  of  her  acquaintances  ever  rang  in  that  way, 
and,  besides,  it  was  not  the  time  for  callers,  neither  could 
it  be  considered  the  ring  of  a  peddler. 

The  feeling  of  Mrs.  Whirlston  in  moving  quickly  to 
answer  the  call  assumed  that  .the  person  on  the  outside  was. 
in  authority  and  had  come  to  make  some  demand.  On 
opening  the  door,  she  was  not  wholly  disappointed.  An 
elderly  man,  slightly  bent,  with  white  hair,  thick  features, 
round  head,  and  a  scowl  by  no  means  prepossessing,  stood 
there.  He  did  not  smile  when  encountering  the  inquiring 
look  of  the  lady,  but  in  a  frigid  way  asked  : 

"Have  you  a  roomer  called  Brother  Fishington, 
madam  ? ' ' 

"I  do  not  know  you,  sir,"  Mrs.  Whirlston  replied, 
"  and  I  am  not  in  the  habit,  anyway,  of  telling  my  business 
to  others,  especially  to  those  who  come  to  my  house 
uninvited." 

The  lady  paused,  but  her  face  exhibited  an  expression 
indicating  she  had  given  the  newcomer  a  thrust  that  would 
require  some  ingenuity  to  parry. 

Herondine  arose  on  hearing  his  name  mentioned,  and, 
peering  through  the  interstice  of  the  door,  saw  the  man  but 
could  not  recognize  him,  as  his  face  was  then  turned  to 
one  side.  The  position  of  Mrs.  Whirlston's  sitting  room, 
where  Herondine  was  standing,  was  favorable  for  the 
purpose.  The  view  crossed  the  dining  room,  entered  the 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  169 

doors  of  the  front  parlor  transversely,  and  passed  through 
the  open  front  entrance.  Herondine  could  see  and  not  be 
seen.  The  man,  nothing  daunted,  continued  : 

"  I  understand  Brother  Fishington  is  preparing  for  the 
ministry;  at  least,  it  is  so  said." 

"  And  who  doubts  it ?     Do  you? " 

"I  have  not  come  here  with  any  doubts.  From  the 
description  given  of  him,  I  infer  he  is  an  acquaintance  of 
mine." 

"I  would  not  imagine  that  fact  could  benefit  him 
much,"  said  Mrs.  Whirlston,  with  a  forced  laugh.  "If 
you  are  a  friend,  leave  your  card  and  he  will  be  ready  to 
meet  you  if  he  thinks  it's  good  for  him." 

"  If  he  should  consider  otherwise,  what  then  ?  "  inquired 
the  man. 

"  I  suppose  in  that  case  he  need  not  meet  you." 

"  Is  it  true  that  this  Brother  Fishington  is  a  stranger?  " 

"  If  there  is  anything  in  that,  you  have  the  advantage. 
I  know  him,  but  I  never  saw  you  before." 

"Madam,  you  would  not  wilfully  harbor  an  enemy  of 
the  Confederacy?" 

This  was  a  phase  of  the  subject  Mrs.  Whirlston  had  not 
considered.  While  she  understood  her  duty  to  the  civil 
power,  the  church  absorbed  her  liveliest  interests.  So 
pronounced,  or  steadfast,  was  she  in  her  opinions  of 
Herondine,  that  even  this  assertion  had  no  effect  in  awak- 
ing any  doubts  in  her  mind  concerning  him.  She  an- 
swered promptly : 

"  Those  who  have  resided  in  my  house  have  been  hon- 
orable and  true,  and  I  have  no  reason  to  fear  for  them. ' ' 

"We  are  not  certain  about  your  guest.  There  is  only 
a  suspicion.  The  power  controlling  the  forces  now  getting 


170  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

ready  to  demand  and  hold  the  independence  of  this  state 
should  know  how  every  individual  here  stands  in  relation 
to  it ;  therefore  I  shall  insist  on  examining  your  premises." 

In  this  instant  the  stranger  faced  the  doorway,  revealing 
to  Herondine  the  obnoxious  physiognomy  of  Hamilton 
Hitch,  an  account  of  whose  political  tendencies  and  ques- 
tionable character  had  been  given  to  him  in  Omaha,  as 
well  as  the  knowledge  imparted  by  Furflew  that  he  was 
now  a  spy  in  the  South.  Mrs.  Whirlston  remained  firmly 
intrenched  in  the  passage,  however,  as  if  to  dispute  it  to 
the  last. 

"Who  are  you?"  she  asked,  "and  by  what  right  have 
you  come  here  to  force  an  entrance  into  my  house  ?  " 

"I  am  a  detective,  madam,  and  this  is  my  right," 
the  man  answered,  producing  a  paper  with  the  seal  of  a 
court  and  the  signature  of  a  judge  authorizing  the  bearer 
to  examine  premises  where  suspicion  existed  that  they 
contained  a  person  or  persons  inimical  to  the  new  govern- 
ment. 

"  Well,"  said  the  lady,  while  her  face  grew  exceedingly 
pale  and  her  limbs  began  to  tremble,  "this  is  very  strange, 
and  I  do  not  know  how  to  account  for  it;  but,  as  the 
scripture  says,  'An  enemy  hath  done  this,'  a  secret  emissary 
of  evil,  who,  doubtless,  is  no  churchgoer." 

She  held  the  door  open,  invited  the  detective  to  accom- 
pany her,  and  continued  : 

"Let  us  go  to  Brother  Fishington's  room  upstairs,  and 
you  can  examine  it.  I  do  not  know  exactly  where  he  is  at 
present." 

Mrs.  Whirlston  said  these  words  in  a  loud  voice,  hoping 
to  be  heard  by  Herondine,  so  that  he  might  take  warning 
and  escape,  for  she  really  believed  the  present  investigation 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  171 

had  been  instituted  for  the  purpose  of  forcing  him  into  the 
military  service,  the  idea  being  strengthened  as  she  recalled 
the  remarks  made  by  General  Beauregard  at  the  entertain- 
ment already  noticed. 

Herondine's  room  was  commodious  and  neatly  furnished. 
It  was  clean  and  had  an  odor  of  fresh  flowers,  blossoms 
gathered  by  Mrs.  Whirlston's  own  hands  for  the  handsome 
vase  on  the  mantelpiece.  There  was  no  baggage,  Heron- 
dine  having  brought  with  him  only  a  satchel  containing 
one  change.  This  receptacle  was  there,  open.  There 
were  a  few  gloves,  collars,  handkerchiefs,  socks,  but  no 
papers  or  pictures. 

"Brother  Fishington  is  clever,"  said  Hamilton  Hitch, 
seeing  his  examination  resulted  in  disappointment. 

"We  need  clever  men  nowadays,"  returned  Mrs.  Whirl  - 
ston,  with  some  sarcasm,  intending,  no  doubt,  to  reflect 
on  the  detective's  methods. 

"Now,  madam,  do  you  really  think  him  handsome?" 
he  inquired,  with  a  show  of  intimacy  quite  tantalizing. 

"  My  individual  opinion  is  my  own.  It  would  not  agree 
with  yours  in  anything,"  she  said. 

"  The  remark  was  made  also  that  the  brother  was  tall; 
could  you  not  give  his  height?" 

"I  never  measured  him,"  evasively  answered  the  lady. 
"If  he  has  been  an  acquaintance  of  yours,  further  informa- 
tion on  the  subject  would  be  superfluous." 

The  man  laughed  in  a  derisive  manner.  Still,  he  pro- 
ceeded downstairs,  looking  wistfully  at  the  apartments  as  he 
went  along.  When  they  entered  Mrs.  Whirlston's  back 
sitting  room,  it  was  empty,  very  much  to  the  relief  of  the 
lady.  Then  the  detective  prepared  to  depart.  When  at 
the  front  door  he  stood  an  instant  irresolute,  as  if  about  to 


172  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

speak,  but  impolitely  turned  away  without  word  or  motion 
and  soon  disappeared  down  the  street. 

Then  Mrs.  Whirlston  went  through  the  house  flying,  on 
the  supposition  that  her  good  Brother  Fishington  would 
turn  up  or  turn  out  ot  his  hiding  place  at  every  moment. 
Alas  !  nothing  but  deep  silence  met  her  earnestness  She 
went  from  room  to  room,  looked  into  the  closets  —  aye, 
under  the  beds,  sometimes  —  calling  "Brother,"  but  Her- 
ondine  did  not  respond. 

From  the  sitting  room  where  she  last  saw  him  there  was 
a  door  leading  backwards  into  the  kitchen,  another  from  the 
kitchen  into  the  yard ;  from  this  space  one  might  proceed  in- 
to an  alley,  and  thence  into  a  street.  Following  this  course, 
she  found  his  footprints  in  the  dust  of  the  alley.  He  had  evi- 
dently taken  that  way  while  she  was  conversing  with  the 
detective  at  the  front  door.  This  was  substantially  true. 

With  the  discovery  that  Hamilton  Hitch  was  on  his 
track,  Herondine  knew  his  time  in  Charleston  must  come 
to  an  abrupt  termination.  One  moment's  delay,  one  mis- 
calculation, one  false  step  might  deliver  him  into  the  hands 
of  the  unscrupulous  detective,  from  whom  no  mercy  would 
be  expected ;  therefore,  when  he  saw  his  face  at  the  door, 
he  decided  at  once  to  escape  while  there  was  yet  hope 
that  he  himself  was  only  known  by  hearsay. 

Herondine's  plans  had  been  well  arranged.  He  did  not 
travel  by  the  regular  routes.  From  north  to  south  there 
had  been  a  line  established  along  which  agents  of  the 
secret  service  were  to  move  and  on  which  they  would  re- 
ceive aid,  including  shelter,  food,  and  conveyance  from 
station  to  station.  There  were  signs  and  passwords  and 
other  paraphernalia,  necessary  adjuncts  of  the  system  ;  but 
the  men  connected  with  it  were  unknown  to  each  other 


THE  FIRS  T  DE  GRE  E.  173 

except  on  occasions  when  it  could  not  be  avoided,  and  then 
there  were  no  questions  asked  or  information  given,  as  this 
was  reserved  for  the  chief  in  Washington. 

Before  leaving  Charleston,  Herondine,  seeing  a  news- 
boy, desired  to  send  a  message  to  Furflew,  who,  as  may  be 
remembered,  had  been  given  a  furlough,  but  was  now  room- 
ing at  an  uptown  boarding  house.  Taking  a  paper,  he 
marked  on  the  margin  of  it  the  letters  "  T.  I.  G."  Then 
he  folded  it  carefully  and  wrote  thereon,  "  Private  Curler, 
Bummer's  House,  Charleston,"  asking  the  boy  when  he 
went  that  way  to  deliver  it  as  addressed,  also  to  state  in 
explanation  that  it  came  from  the  Brother.  Then  Heron- 
dine  paid  the  boy,  who  volunteered  to  deliver  the  message 
at  once  and  did  so. 

Furflew,  on  learning  that  the  paper  came  from  Brother 
Fishington,  knew  that  it  must  be  a  document  above  the 
average.  Lighting  a  cigar  and  taking  a  seat  near  the 
clerk's  desk  in  the  office,  with  one  leg  over  the  other,  he 
opened  the  paper  and  began  to  scan  the  news.  Nothing 
appeared  therein  that  he  could  see  connecting  either  him 
or  Herondine  with  the  incidents  related.  Finally  he  came 
to  discern  the  letters  on  the  margin. 

"Hem!"  said  he  to  himself.  "What's  this?  What's 
those  — 'T.  I.  G.'?" 

He  reflected  some  time,  puffing,  however,  the  smoke  of 
his  cigar  with  unusual  energy,  as  if  the  action  might  not 
induce  a  solution  of  the  difficulty.  Then  he  returned  to 
the  question  and  proposed  an  answer. 

"'T'  stands  for  tea,  «!'  is  I,  and  'G'  stands  for  jug,— 
tea  I  jug — tea  in  a  jug.  Well,  if  that  ain't  odd,  I'll  be 
durned.  He  got  tea  in  a  jug  somewhere  and  wants  me  to 
know  it.  Bully  for  you." 


174  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

With  this  conclusion,  however,  Furflew  did  not  grow  satis- 
fied, for,  reason  on  it  as  he  would,  nothing  reached  his  intel- 
ligence that  looked  one  way  or  another  like  a  probable  mes- 
sage or  a  fact  worthy  of  note.  He  replaced  the  paper  in  his 
pocket  and  walked  into  the  street.  This  was  the  first  message 
sent  him  by  Herondine,  and  must  therefore  be  of  unusual 
importance.  What  could  it  mean?  They  had  not  agreed 
on  signals  or  cipher  communications,  and  this  one  was  with- 
out doubt  written  on  the  spur  of  the  moment.  Hence  he, 
Furflew,  must  wait  in  order  to  deliberate  on  all  sides  of  the 
question.  After  an  hour's  tussle  with  the  unknown,  a  spark 
flew  out  of  the  void  that  illuminated  his  mental  perception. 

"Ah!"  said  he,  suddenly  catching  at  a  thought  and 
dragging  the  paper  from  his  pocket.  "  Durn  the  luck  !  if 
it  don't  read  backwards —  '  G-i-f  !  Now,  we  know  what 
that  is,  anyway.  Git;  clear  out;  skedaddle;  make  tracks. 
Holy  frost !  there's  something  up  !  I  should  smile  !  It's 
too  hot  here,  for  sure ;  but  look  at  me,  will  you  ?  When 
I  '  git '  this  time,  I'll  be  a  deserter.  I  reckon  the  life  that's 
left  in  me  won't  be  worth  suds.  I  guess  I  couldn't  get 
insured,  nohow.  Shot  on  sight  for  being  a  spy!  I'll  be 
shot  then  and  there  before  I'm  seen  at  all." 

That  night  Furflew  called  at  Mrs.  Whirlston's.  He  went 
through  the  alley  to  reach  the  back  door  in  order  to  avoid 
detectives  who  might  possibly  be  watching  the  front.  He 
found  the  lady  in  a  high  state  of  excitement,  owing  to  the 
disappearance  of  Brother  Fishington.  She  related  the  in- 
cidents of  the  morning  and  expressed  a  belief  that  her  guest 
must  have  been  induced,  one  way  or  another,  to  join  in  the 
war,  as  he  did  not  return. 

"I  was  kind  of  anxious  to  see  him,"  said  Furflew,  "  be- 
cause he  was  a  durned  good  fellow  when  we  met  in  Louisiana. ' ' 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  175 

"Yes,"  answered  Mrs.  Whirlston,  "I  noticed  you  were 
friendly." 

"  I  always  said  — to  myself,  of  course,"  resumed  the  man, 
"  for  I  had  no  one  else  to  say  it  to — he'd  turn  the  hearts  of 
the  women  towards  him  if  he  ever  got  a  pulpit ;  he  had  the 
knack  of  it." 

"Oh,  his  ability  was  very  marked,"  rejoined  the  lady, 
"more,  perhaps,  in  directing  devotional  exercises  to  God 
than  seeking  praise  for  himself." 

"  I  wouldn't  give  shucks  for  the  woman  that  didn't  dote 
on  the  ground  under  his  feet.  It  was  plain  to  be  seen  he 
was  as  handsome  as  plum  duff  on  a  Christmas  table,"  said 
Furflew,  endeavoring  to  keep  the  conversation  from  taking 
too  much  of  a  religious  turn. 

Mrs.  Whirlston  made  no  reply  to  this  comment.  Her 
ideas  of  Brother  Fishington  were  too  refined  to  be  jostled 
about  with  those  of  other  people,  even  his  own  acquaint- 
ances. If  she  knew  the  Brother  was  handsome,  she  would 
recognize  it  as  a  secret  too  good  to  give  out  or  let  out. 
Hence  she  asked  Furflew  somewhat  suddenly : 

"What  will  you  do?" 

"  Do?  "  inquired  the  man. 

"To  find  him,"  she  answered.  "  Will  you  not  go  here, 
there,  and  everywhere,  look  into  barracks,  see  the  men  on 
parade,  examine  the  depots,  and  scour  the  streets?  " 

Furflew  seemed  confounded  by  her  earnestness,  but  did 
not  answer. 

"  And  when  you  find  him,"  continued  Mrs.  Whirlston, 
"send  him  back  here. " 

"I'll  say,"  resumed  Furflew,  "that  there  woman  in 
Charleston  is  sweet  on  you — " 

"  We  want  him  to  be  pastor.'' 


176  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

"  She  has  a  thing  in  her  eye  that  won't  fall  out  nohow  " — • 

"The  congregation  admires  righteous  behavior  and 
piety." 

"  She's  worried  to  death  on  your  account." 

"We  miss  him." 

"  Say,"  continued  the  man,  becoming  more  confidential, 
"  when  the  war  is  over,  I'll  try  my  best  to  run  in  with  him 
on  the  first  cheap  excursion  train  and  plank  him  right 
down  before  you  without  charge,  and  no  questions  asked. 
Mind  your  prayers  while  we  are  away.  There  is  danger 
around.  Keep  your  weather  eye  open,  for  in  the  mean- 
time that  same  detective  what  was  here  might  take  it  into 
his  head  to  brew  trouble  for  you  without  malt,  and  no  mis- 
take. So  long." 

Before  Mrs.  Whirlston  could  make  further  remarks,  Fur 
flew  had  departed.  He  was  convinced  that  his  chief  was 
on  his  return  journey  to  Washington,  and  that  the  mes- 
sage he  himself  had  received  required  a  similar  movement. 
As  in  Herondine's  case,  Furflew  knew  the  secret  route 
and  pursued  it,  although  his  pass  would  have  entitled  him 
to  safe  conduct  in  any  case  for  the  ensuing  twenty -four 
hours. 

Among  Mrs.  Whirlston's  friends,  the  disappearance  of 
Brother  Fishington  was  considered  a  mere  item  related  to 
the  all-absorbing  subject  of  the  war.  Examples  of  this 
kind  were  numerous,  and  some  a  great  deal  more  distress- 
ing, for  men  quit  their  homes  who  were  the  sole  support  of 
large  families,  thus  leaving  them  to  struggle  with  difficulties 
and  absolute  want.  The  people  who  crowded  into  the  front 
parlor  where  Tuppins  had  seen  and  heard  so  much  that  was 
felicitous,  offered  their  condolence  regularly,  more  on  ac- 
count of  the  loss  sustained  by  the  church  than  anything 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  177 

ascribed  to  the  feelings  of  the  lady;  but  when,  in  a  few 
days,  it  became  known  that  detective  Hamilton  Hitch  had 
revisited  the  house  and  charged  Mrs.Whirlston  with  treason 
to  the  state  in  that  she  had  sheltered  and  made  much  of  a 
man  in  the  secret  service  of  the  North,  their  puerile  sym- 
pathy was  changed  into  consternation.  Then  it  was  that 
she  drew  company  in  earnest.  People  came  by  the  score, 
and  filled  every  room  in  the  house  downstairs  at  a  sitting. 
It  is  wonderful  how  the  full  measure  of  earthly  joy  to  many 
is  invariably  tinctured  by  sorrow. 

Mrs.  Whirlston  was  the  wonder  of  the  hour ;  and  as  her 
individual  rectitude  was  not  questioned,  all  members  of  the 
congregation,  as  well  as  hundreds  of  others,  were  wild  to 
meet  her  and  hear  from  her  own  lips  the  strange  story  then 
circulating. 

Oh  !  how  she  loved  the  multitude  !  But  ah  !  at  what  a 
fearful  cost  was  her  ruling  passion  gratified  !  With  the  re- 
pletion of  her  desire  came  notoriety,  and  the  pleasures  of 
the  one  seemed  overwhelmed  by  the  other.  Besides,  she 
must  appear  in  a  public  court  and  give  satisfactory  evidence 
that  she  was  not  the  miscreant  represented  by  detective 
Hamilton  Hitch.  Add  to  this,  for  the  whole  truth  must 
be  told,  every  ounce  of  tea,  every  caddy  of  sugar,  every 
bottle  of  wine,  and  all  her  preserved  fruit  were  swept  away 
as  if  a  hurricane  had  stricken  the  pantry  and  scooped  them 
out  to  satiate  the  appreciative  palates  of  her  general  visitors. 
They  were  gone,  but  she  was  satisfied.  Then  she  relapsed 
into  a  meditative  mood,  and,  as  the  people  said,  "was 
better  to  be  alone  with  her  sorrow ' '  —  and  the  empty  pantry. 

In  this  connection  it  must  be  said,  in  vindication  of  the 
chivalry  of  the  male  sex,  that  Tuppins  made  a  remarkable 
effort  in  the  search  for  Brother  Fishington.  His  plan  was 


178  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

to  post  notices  on  dead  walls  and  country  fences,  as  they 
do  in  the  case  of  lost  sheep,  so  that  people  seeing  them 
would  desert  their  legitimate  occupation  and  run  him  down 
or  fish  him  up,  as  the  case  might  be.  Full  of  this  idea, 
Tuppins  began  the  writing  of  the  notice  with  Mrs.  Whirl- 
ston's  consent,  for  she  said,  "  No  one  knows  what  might 
come  out  of  it  ";  but  alas  !  the  document  never  went  forth. 
It  was  incomplete,  dying  a  premature  death. 

"Lost  or  strayed  away,"  wrote  Tuppins,  "a  man  not 
blind,  not  lame —  " 

Then  he  stopped,  unable  to  proceed  further. 

"  Put  in,"  said  Cynthia,  "  no  fool." 

This  phrase  being  added,  Tuppins  read  and  reread  the 
notice  until  his  brain  began  to  ache,  when  he  abandoned 
the  effort  altogether,  and,  as  he  expressed  it,  "  let  things 
look  out  for  themselves." 


CHAPTER  XIV. 
"THE  POOR  MAN  OF  CHRISTENDOM." 

HERONDINE'S  headlong  retreat  from  the  South 
induced  him  to  reflect  and  determine  that  the 
power  at  his  command  in  his  present  profession  was  not 
absolute.  Evidently  his  first  patriotic  effort  in  his  coun- 
try's behalf  had  been  given  a  serious  repulse  by  one  whom 
he  regarded  as  a  nonentity,  but  whose  action,  in  the  vary- 
ing chances  of  war,  had  become  like  a  tornado,  forcing 
the  enemy  to  flee  to  his  home  for  refuge  as  if  the  operator 
were  the  superior  instead  of  the  inferior  man. 

Herondine  could  easily  perceive  that  the  original  cause 
of  quarrel  between    North  and  South  was  expanding   to 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  179 

immense  proportions,  involving  not  only  legitimate  war 
but  also  feelings  of  bitter  hatred  among  the  individuals  of 
both  sections.  The  scenes  presented  to  his  view  as  he 
journeyed  northward  were  animated  by  military  move- 
ments in  anticipation  of  active  service  in  the  field.  The 
cry  "  To  arms !  "  might  be  heard  on  all  sides  in  the  streets 
of  cities,  on  the  public  highways,  among  the  pleasure- 
seekers  of  popular  resorts,  in  the  cars,  on  the  steamboats, 
in  the  farmhouses,  on  the  common  of  the  quiet  hamlet,  and 
at  the  doorsteps  of  the  family  residence,  as  if  the  echoing 
guns  bombarding  Sumter  had  awakened  also  the  retributive 
spirit  of  the  North  so  as  to  retrieve  its  sullied  honor  and 
wreak  a  deadly  retribution  on  its  enemies. 

On  account  of  the  vast  amount  of  business  accumulating 
in  the  bureau  at  Washington  and  the  necessity  existing  for 
every  man  to  be  at  his  post,  Heron  dine  had  barely  time  to 
visit  his  family  in  New  York  before  launching  into  a  new 
expedition.  This  was  none  other  than  to  ascertain,  if 
possible,  from  members  of  the  Confederate  government  or 
their  friends,  the  strategic  movements  contemplated  for 
the  government  of  the  Southern  army  within  the  next  few 
months.  The  principal  places  of  operation  in  this  con- 
nection would  be  Richmond,  Virginia,  and  Montgomery, 
Alabama,  which  at  that  time  was  the  capital  of  the  South 
and  possessed  many  advantageous  conditions  in  its  favor. 
As  a  matter  of  course,  Furflew  would  actually  bear  the  chief 
part  in  the  undertaking  and  from  the  skill  displayed  by 
him  recently  in  Charleston  it  was  believed  much  valuable 
information  would  be  derived  through  his  assistance.  It 
was  a  hazardous  duty  in  any  circumstances,  but  especially 
so  at  that  time,  when  those  who  played  with  war  after  such 
a  fashion  lived  incessantly  in  the  shadow  of  the  gallows. 


180  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

Before  leaving  the  national  capital  Furflew  had  executed 
an  improvement  in  his  person  very  much  desired  as  tending 
to  disguise  his  identity  in  the  new  field  of  enterprise  to 
which  he  was  assigned ;  namely,  an  artificial  bridge  on  his 
nose  so  as  to  straighten  out  that  organ  and  enable  him  to 
assume  foppish  airs  such  as  might  possibly  turn  the  heads 
of  the  ladies  in  Montgomery,  seeing  that  the  Grecian 
bend  was  then  in  full  vogue  among  them.  The  artistic 
workman  who  devised  the  appendage  above  mentioned  had 
been  seeking  opportunities  for  the  display  of  genius  through 
the  instrumentality  of  invention,  and,  hearing  from  Fur- 
flew  the  nature  of  the  article  required,  literally  flung  him- 
self into  the  project,  regardless  of  time  or  expense. 
Hence,  in  an  uncommonly  short  period  there  was  pro- 
duced something  that  is  rarely,  if  ever,  seen  in  an  ordinary 
show  window,  or,  indeed,  for  the  matter  of  that,  on  a 
man's  face  —  an  artificial  nose,  of  fine  imitative  color  and 
consistence,  apparently  sensitive,  like  other  organs  of  the 
same  class,  to  the  praises  or  censures  or  odors  of  the  world. 

Carefully  examined,  it  was  seen  to  be  an  external  case 
composed  of  gelatine  having  a  pair  of  spring  spectacles 
surmounting  the  middle  part  or  astride  of  the  bridge  so  as 
to  grasp  the  facial  organ  or  such  portions  of  it  as  were 
available.  The  edges  coming  in  contact  with  the  face 
were  concealed  by  narrow  strips  of  steel  which  appeared  to 
be  necessary  adjuncts  of  the  spectacles,  and  the  point  of 
contact  above,  under  the  forehead,  was  covered  adroitly 
with  a  piece  of  plaster,  to  give  the  impression  to  the  ob- 
server that  there  was  a  slight  wound  there  and  to  divert 
scrutiny  away  from  the  nose  itself.  Each  orifice  at  the 
lower  end  was  so  arranged  as  to  be  carried  into  those  of 
the  wearer,  and  the  line  beneath  was  covered  by  a  thick 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  181 

mustache  which  clothed  the  entire  upper  lip  and  com- 
pleted the  design. 

Under  this  new  piece  of  face  gear  Furflew  reveled  in 
beauty  and  self-importance.  The  harmony  of  proportion- 
ate lines  had  been  established  on  his  exterior  front.  The 
pride  of  vanity  kindled  in  his  eyes,  and  he  assumed  a  wag- 
gish gait  like  men  who  feel  physical  power  developed  in 
their  shoulders  impelling  them  to  strike  forward.  Know- 
ing that  Herondine  would  follow  him  as  a  supporter  in  a 
few  days  he  departed  for  Alabama  in  good  spirits,  believ- 
ing his  arts  would  fully  sustain  his  character  if  everything 
else  failed. 

As  for  Herondine,  the  part  he  was  to  play  on  this  trip 
had  been  carefully  selected,  as  danger  to  men  of  his  class 
was  increasing  daily  and  the  most  trifling  incident  or 
omission  connected  with  his  arrangements  might  betray 
him  into  the  hands  of  his  enemies.  He  personated  a  com- 
mercial traveler  soliciting  for  orders  for  the  English  firm  of 
Blister  Winkle  &  Company,  successors  to  Periwinkle,  of 
Birkenhead  and  Liverpool,  founders,  manufacturers,  and 
ironmongers — the  special  branch,  or  department,  in  which 
he  was  concerned  being  wrought  and  cut  nails,  galvanized 
sprigs,  tacks,  and  spikes.  He  carried  samples  of  these 
articles  with  him ;  and  as  English  goods  were  then  popular 
in  the  South,  there  would  be  no  difficulty  attached  to  his 
representations  for  the  period  required. 

A  few  days  after  his  arrival  in  Montgomery,  Furflew  ap- 
peared on  the  streets  of  that  city  in  all  the  glory  of  an 
itinerant  fakir  giving  exhibitions  of  his  skill  in  ventrilo- 
quism, supplemented  by  feats  of  jugglery ;  and  when  the 
scenes  thus  presented  came  to  a  close,  he  collected  from 
the  audience,  by  the  old-fashioned  method  of  sending 


182  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

round  the  hat,  what  each  individual  was  pleased  to  bestow 
in  recognition  of  his  ability  or  worth. 

At  stated  periods  he  reported  to  Herondine  all  the  in- 
formation he  had  gathered  among  the  citizens  relating  to 
the  war.  The  confidence  of  the  fellow  seemed  the  most 
wonderful  part  of  his  performance.  His  smiles  were  gen- 
uine. He  looked  the  people  square  in  the  face  and  straight 
in  the  eye,  in  contradistinction  to  the  theory  that  one  in 
opposition  to  the  constituted  powers  could  not  do  so  with- 
out betraying  symptoms  of  fear.  He  laughed  ;  and  those 
who  heard  him  said  among  themselves,  "  This  is  an  honest 
clown  any  way  you  take  him." 

Standing  on  a  chair,  with  his  back  against  a  wall,  his 
hat  tilted  on  the  side  of  his  head,  and  his  face  decorated 
with  the  artificial  bridge  and  attachments  heretofore  men- 
tioned, the  rest  of  his  body  being  encased  in  respectable 
clothing,  he  went  through  each  one-hour  performance  with 
the  utmost  spirit,  and  satisfaction  to  himself  and  his  audi- 
tors. Sometimes  he  rose  to  greatness,  when  he  produced 
the  humming  of  the  honeybee  both  during  its  freedom 
and  captivity,  the  siss  of  the  beefsteak  on  a  hot  frying  pan, 
and  the  changes  the  sounds  undergo  when  the  steak  is 
being  turned,  and  finally  the  snap  which  terminates  the 
process  when  the  gravy  is  turned  out  from  the  pan  to  the 
dish. 

It  soon  became  evident  to  Furflew  that  his  favorite  pro- 
fession would  prove  remunerative  as  well  as  provide  him 
personal  security,  for,  on  counting  his  collections  for  an 
average  day,  the  good  round  sum  of  fifteen  dollars  was 
reached,  thus  giving  more  proof  of  the  soundness  of  his 
own  opinions  and  the  errors  into  which  the  world  had 
fallen  in  regard  to  the  pushing  of  a  fancy  trade.  Nor  was 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  183 

this  all :  when  luck  takes  a  favorable  turn  it  becomes  mu- 
nificent. It  was  so  in  this  case,  as  may  be  seen  presently. 

During  one  of  Furflew's  performances  there  stood  on 
the  outer  edge  of  the  crowd  in  front  of  him  two  men 
whose  facial  contortions,  induced  by  laughter,  proved 
beyond  a  doubt  that  they  were  heartily  amused.  The 
physical  signs  associated  with  these  jolly  fellows  portrayed 
a  condition  of  easy  circumstances.  Without  being  osten- 
tatious or  showy  in  dress,  they  were  comfortably  clad. 
They  wore  neat-fitting  boots,  clothes,  and  hats,  and  carried 
themselves  so  decidedly  within  the  lines  of  prudential 
decorum  as  not  to  be  mistaken  for  members  of  the  swell 
mob  whose  fraternity  is  supposed  to  have  as  many  claims 
on  society  as  the  phylloxera  or  the  army  worm  on  the 
vegetable  kingdom.  Notwithstanding  the  similarity  of 
their  dresses,  consisting  of  business  suits  of  the  same 
material,  the  difference  between  the  two  men  was  very 
marked  —  not  that  either  appeared  crafty  with  the  other 
simple,  but  that  one  seemed  a  greater  fool  than  his  com- 
panion. 

The  elder,  the  more  conspicuous  man,  must  have  been 
at  that  time  over  fifty  years,  of  medium  height  and  build, 
mild  in  aspect,  but  ready  to  be  shaken  by  mirth  at  any 
moment.  He  wore  bushy  whiskers  shaped  after  the  man- 
ner of  Englishmen ;  had  a  pert,  upturned  face,  florid  com- 
plexion, and  a  disposition  to  wink  his  left  eye  occasionally 
in  order  to  incite  others  to  laughter.  This  individual  was 
none  other  than  Saracen  Gay,  called  also  "the  poor  man 
of  Christendom,"  a  character  well  known  in  the  South  for 
his  philanthropy  or  eccentricity,  and  accorded  all  the 
privileges  of  the  best  society  on  account  of  his  social 
standing.  He  was  a  millionaire,  but,  owing  to  mental 


184  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

weakness,  had  been  placed  under  the  directorship  of 
friends,  so  as  not  to  be  imposed  upon  by  sharps  or  other 
evil-disposed  persons.  He  feared  to  be  accounted  rich, 
having  some  hallucination  that  he  would  be  murdered  for 
his  money;  and  hence  his  immediate  companion,  pander- 
ing to  his  delusion,  called  him  at  first  the  poorest  man  in 
Christendom,  which  the  public  made  special  by  the  title, 
"  the  poor  man  of  Christendom." 

The  man  who  accompanied  Saracen  Gay  on  the  occasion 
here  mentioned  was  his  valet,  Risbon  Flappins.  Much 
care  had  been  bestowed  on  his  selection,  and  due  regard 
paid  to  the  peculiarities  of  the  gentleman  he  would  attend 
in  future.  "Ris,"  as  he  was  often  called,  seemed  to 
possess  all  the  qualifications  necessary  for  the  position,  or 
any  other,  for  the  matter  of  that.  He  was  strong  and 
fearless,  yet  gentle  as  a  woman,  sober,  industrious  in  the 
affairs  of  his  employer,  and  fully  alive  to  the  obligation  of 
humoring  his  opinions  and  fancies.  Flappins  proved  an 
excellent  attendant ;  he  encouraged  his  master  to  travel  to 
the  great  cities  and  points  of  interest  in  the  United  States, 
kept  him  safe  and  comfortable  throughout  each  ordeal, 
and  had  a  jolly  good  time  from  year  in  to  year  out. 

Saracen  Gay  rented  a  villa  in  the  suburbs  of  Montgom- 
ery, but  owned  several  in  other  places,  so  that,  as  a  rule, 
he  was  constantly  moving.  This  arrangement  diverted 
his  mind  and  made  life  endurable.  At  the  time  of  his 
appearance  before  Furflew  in  the  streets  of  Montgomery, 
he  was  expecting  the  arrival  of  a  carriage  which  he  had 
ordered  at  some  other  point.  His  opinions  about  its 
transportation  will  show  a  phase  of  his  oddity. 

"O  Flappins,"  he  said,  "  don't  you  think  the  carriage 
could  be  drawn  behind  the  train  ?  " 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  185 

"  Of  course  it  could,"  answered  the  man. 

' '  The  wheels  are  strong. ' ' 

"  Quite  right ;  the  wheels  are  strong." 

"If  the  road  be  level,  the  carriage  will  make  as  good 
headway  as  the  train  itself." 

"Certainly;  besides,  Saracen,  there  ain't  no  hills  on  a 
railroad." 

"  But  in  case  of  trestles,  don't  you  see  what  would  occur  ? ' ' 

"  The  carriage  would  bob  up  and  down,  that's  all." 

Saracen  Gay  laughed. 

"It  would  be  funny  to  see  it,"  he  remarked,  "but, 
Flappins,  do  you  think  it  strong  enough  to  endure  such 
usage  ? ' ' 

"Of  course  it  is." 

"Well,  what  did  you  do?  Did  you  tell  the  railroad 
people?" 

"I  knew  exactly  what  you  wished  done  with  it,"  re- 
plied Flappins,  assuming  a  serious  air;  "I  told  them  to 
hitch  the  carriage  on  to  the  hind  part  of  the  train  and  let 
her  come  up  that  way." 

"Ah!  Flappins,  you  are  very  wise.  You  always  know 
just  what  is  best  to  be  done.  I  tell  you  a  good  thing, 
though :  when  that  carriage  arrives,  we  might  get  this 
clever  fellow  into  it" — alluding  to  Furflew.  "  He  could 
practice  his  art  for  a  while  and  pass  as  a  millionaire,  but  in 
the  meantime  I  could  come  up  on  the  street  as  a  poor  man 
and  apply  for  a  ride,  when  you  could  take  me  in.  Do 
you  catch  on  ?  " 

"Do  I?  I  should  say  so.  It's  just  the  thing.  In  all 
my  experience  I  never  heard  any  proposal  half  so  good. 
Besides,  Saracen,  if  a  shot  is  fired  at  the  carriage,  he'll  be 
hit,  sure." 


180  AV  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

Although  not  wanting  in  sympathy  for  his  fellow-man, 
Saracen  Gay  laughed  at  this  prediction  until  tears  came 
into  his  eyes,  because  it  favored  his  own  plan  and  pre- 
sented a  ludicrous  situation  to  the  mind. 

"You're  wonderful,"  he  resumed,  addressing  Flappins, 
*l  to  point  out  the  danger  before  it  happened." 

"  I  tell  you  what  I  could  do,  though,"  replied  the  man, 
"boastfully.  "If  I  saw  that  bullet  coming  towards  you,  I 
could  catch  it  in  my  hand." 

Saracen  Gay  never  questioned  the  accuracy  of  this  state- 
ment. He  merely  remarked  in  a  quiet  way  peculiar  to  him : 

"Good  gracious  !  how  smart  you  are  !  " 

After  the  performance  Flappins  moved  up  to  Furflew 
and  addressed  him  in  an  undertone.  By  the  aid  of  a  few 
sentences  he  explained  the  standing  and  character  of  Sar- 
acen Gay  and  the  plan  they  had  agreed  to  for  adding  to 
their  party  so  as  to  have  a  good  time.  As  a  matter  of 
course,  this  suited  Furflew  admirably.  Touching  Flappins 
in  the  ribs  with  the  point  of  his  elbow,  he  said:  "I'm  in 
it.  Bet  your  bottom  dollar.  We'll  paint  the  town  red, 
and  lay  it  on  thick.  Now,"  continued  Furflew,  "let  us 
meet  him,  and  hear  me  go  through  the  first  act."  Coming 
to  the  place  where  Saracen  Gay  was  standing,  Furflew 
resumed : 

"  What  poor  man  is  this,  my  dear  Flappins  ?  " 

"Him?"  answered  Flappins,  in  well-feigned  surprise. 
"  Why,  he  is  a  poor  fellow  that's  off  and  on  here,  now  and 
again  and  between  times,  until  you  imagine  there  is  noth- 
ing left  of  him.  There  ain't  his  like  nowhere.  In  fact, 
he  is  the  poorest  man  in  Christendom." 

"Bless  me!  how  distressing  that  is!"  said  Furflew. 
"  By  the  bye,  Flappins,  I  tell  you  what  we  might  do. 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  187 

When  my  carriage  comes  round  tomorrow,  we  might  take 
him  up  and  give  him  a  lift." 

"Just  the  thing,"  said  Flappins. 

Saracen  Gay,  extending  his  hand  to  Furflew,  answered 
for  himself  like  a  gentleman. 

"Thank  you.  Your  goodness  may  meet  its  reward 
when  least  expected.  The  poor  man  will  be  glad  to 
accept  your  kind  offer."  Then,  as  Furflew  turned  away 
departing  for  his  lodgings,  the  speaker  resumed,  addressing 
Flappins,  "You're  a  great  manager,  Ris.  Who  would 
have  thought  it  ?  that  fellow  goes  home  with  the  convic- 
tion that  I  am  as  poor  as  a  church  mouse." 

"And  he  never  dreams  that  he  might  get  plugged," 
rejoined  Flappins,  laughing. 

"That's  the  best  joke  of  all,"  returned  Saracen  Gay; 
"but,"  he  resumed,  "  you  are  truly  a  wonderful  man." 

Whatever  were  the  private  opinions  of  the  actors  in  this 
drama  as  to  the  congruity  or  incongruity  of  the  persona- 
tion each  had  assumed,  the  following  day  carried  with  it 
a  full  measure  of  amusement  for  them  all.  Furflew,  seated 
in  the  center  of  the  carriage,  with  the  most  important  air 
he  could  assume,  viewed  the  crowd  with  a  critical  eye; 
Flappins,  with  a  broad  grin  on  his  countenance,  occupied 
the  box  seat  and  held  the  reins  well,  while  Saracen  Gay, 
appearing  behind,  seemed  delighted  with  himself,  with  the 
situation,  and  the  people  at  large. 

Knowing  the  peculiarities  of  "the  poor  man  of  Chris- 
tendom," a  vast  congregation  assembled  on  hearing  that 
he  had  taken  up  the  ventriloquist  and  permitted  public 
exhibitions  from  his  carriage.  The  applause  was  immense ; 
he  was  lauded  to  the  skies.  It  was  a  great  day  for  Furflew, 
and  a  vindication  of  his  belief  in  the  business  of  a  street 


188  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

fakir.  Once  he  saw  Herondine  in  the  crowd,  which  re- 
minded him  of  his  real  character;  but  he  said  within  him- 
self patriotically,  "I  could  capture  this  place  without  firing 
a  shot."  Into  the  work  before  him  he  threw  his  whole 
energy  and  spirit.  He  squealed  like  a  hog  caught  under  a 
gate,  held  dialogues  with  persons  in  the  air  above  him, 
imitated  the  calls  of  birds  and  beasts,  and  sang  humorous 
songs  in  half  a  dozen  different  tones. 

While  the  amusement  was  at  its  height  some  one  spoke 
to  Saracen  Gay.  As  the  people  saluted  this  man  with 
much  deference,  it  was  evident  he  was  a  character  of  some 
importance.  Indeed,  we  may  say  without  betraying  con- 
fidence that  he  was  a  member  of  the  Confederate  govern- 
ment. The  occupant  of  the  carriage  by  a  motion  of  his 
hand  invited  him  to  a  seat,  which  was  immediately  ac- 
cepted, for  Saracen  Gay  was  personally  acquainted  with 
the  most  conspicuous  men  in  the  South,  and  assisted  them 
in  prosecuting  the  war.  As  it  appeared  just  at  this  time 
that  Furflew  should  be  afforded  a  rest,  Flappins  drove 
through  the  city  leisurely ;  while  Saracen  Gay  and  his  new 
friend  began  a  conversation  of  more  than  ordinary  interest, 
especially  to  Furflew. 

"Well,  poor  man,"  said  the  late  arrival,  "we're  mov- 
ing." 

"Saracen  Gay,  believing  that  this  assertion  referred  to 
the  motion  of  the  carriage,  looked  down  at  the  vehicle  and 
having  been  reminded  of  yesterday's  unfinished  conversa- 
tion with  Flappins  regarding  its  transit,  suddenly  asked 
that  worthy : 

"  How  did  it  come,  Ris?     You  never  told  me." 

"Didn't  I,  though ?"  answered  Flappins.  "For  that 
oversight  I'll  kick  myself  when  I  get  down  ;  you  may  rely 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  189 

on  it.  What  do  you  think  the  fools  did  ?  Instead  of  hitch- 
ing the  thing  as  I  directed,  they  went  to  work  and  carried 
it,  wheels,  body,  seats,  and  all." 

"Did  you  ever!"  exclaimed  Saracen  Gay,  laughing 
heartily  at  the  supposed  absurdity  of  the  railroad  people. 

The  newcomer  resumed  more  impressively  than  he  had 
begun : 

"  I  mean,  Saracen,  that  we  are  moving  in  the  war." 

"O!  ah!  sure  enough!  How  far  have  we  gone?" 
exclaimed  the  party  addressed. 

"  Beauregard  thinks  we  can  reach  Washington  in  three 
months,  and  hold  it  as  long  as  we  please,"  replied  the 
other. 

"  I  believe  we  can,"  responded  Saracen  Gay  gravely. 

"Although  he  is  our  leading  general  at  present,  there 
are  persons  in  high  places  who  have  some  one  else  in  their 
eye  for  general-in-chief.  For  my  part,  I'm  a  Beauregard 
man. ' ' 

"Quite  right,"  said  Saracen  Gay;  "  he's  good  enough 
for  anybody;  but  tell  me — what  is  there  on  the  boards?  " 

"  We  are  going  to  establish  the  capital  of  the  Confed- 
eracy at  Richmond,  Virginia;  Beauregard  has  been  ordered 
to  push  north  with  a  large  force ;  and  Johnston  goes  to  the 
Shenandoah  valley,  so  as  to  check  any  advance  of  the 
enemy  in  that  direction.  We  are  yet  in  the  lead." 

After  further  discourse  on  the  subject,  the  gentleman 
desired  to  return  home,  as  he  had  a  large  mass  of  cor- 
respondence to  answer,  and  was  driven  to  his  residence : 
but  Saracen  Gay  was  not  tired  of  amusement;  so  the 
carriage  continued  in  motion,  carrying  the  three  curious 
characters  heretofore  described,  so  humorous  and  yet  so 
dissimilar. 


190  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

"  Can  you  tell  me,  Flappins,"  asked  "the  poor  man  of 
of  Christendom,"  "why  I  don't  get  letters  through  the 
post  office  like  that  man  ?  " 

"Ah,  Saracen,  that  is  a  puzzler.  Why,  indeed?  Per- 
haps our  friend  Furflew  knows  ?  " 

It  appears  that  Furflew  answeied  to  his  real  name  when 
starting  for  Alabama,  believing  it  as  much  unknown  as  any 
new  one  he  could  assume. 

"Why,  I  know,"  replied  Furflew;  "because  you  are 
poor. ' ' 

Saracen  Gay  chuckled  with  delight  on  hearing  this  state- 
ment, it  fitted  his  thoughts  so  accurately. 

"  If  you  can  foretell  things  to  come,  perhaps  I  could 
find  out  when  I  will  get  a  letter,"  he  said. 

"You  will  get  one  tomorrow,"  replied  Furflew,  resolv- 
ing secretly  to  send  the  desired  communication  himself. 

"  Ris,  isn't  he  wonderful  ?  "  said  Saracen  Gay,  address- 
ing Flappins. 

"Never  struck  his  equal,"  answered  the  man.  "I  tell 
you,  Saracen,"  he  continued,  "now  is  your  time  to  find 
out  things.  You  often  ask  me  questions  as  far  out  of  my 
line  as  the  man  in  the  moon  is  from  his  Sunday  clothes, 
but  you  have  your  chance  at  last." 

Flappins's  proposition  came  upon  his  listeners  with  the 
terrors  of  a  thunderclap,  the  weak  mind  of  Saracen  Gay 
being  confused  by  it,  which  prevented  him  from  concen- 
trating his  thoughts  on  a  single  idea,  while  Furflew  knew  in 
his  heart  he  could  not  answer  correctly  any  ordinary  ques- 
tion beyond  the  knowledge  he  possessed  of  a  few  common 
things.  In  his  dilemma  Saracen  Gay  appealed  to  Flappins. 

"Ask  him,  Ris;  you  know  what's  good  for  me,"  he 
said. 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  191 

Flappins,  reflecting  a  moment  on  the  nature  of  the  diffi- 
culty imposed  on  him,  asked  with  an  air  of  great  wisdom : 

"  How  can  you  know  a  man  with  swelled  head?  " 

"  He  has  always  his  pants  turned  up  in  rainy  weather, 
and  wears  a  large  charm  on  his  watch  chain,"  answered 
Furflew,  doubtful  whether  he  had  stated  a  truth  or  a  false- 
hood, but  trusting  to  chance  to  carry  him  through  the 
ordeal  to  which  he  was  then  subjected. 

"  Hit  the  nail  on  the  head  !  "  exclaimed  Flappins,  with 
approval. 

"Oh,  how  true  he  is!"  said  Saracen  Gay;  and  he 
added,  "Thank  heaven,  I  never  do  it." 

After  a  further  exchange  of  pleasantries,  it  was  agreed  to 
meet  next  day  in  order  to  mature  a  plan  which  Furflew  had 
partially  formed  of  extending  the  sphere  of  his  usefulness 
as  a  universal  merrymaker.  He  determined  on  renting  a 
large  hall  in  which  he  could  display  his  genius  and  accom- 
modate the  business  public  in  the  evening  after  the  manner 
of  a  theater. 

That  night  his  interview  with  Herondine  was  long  and 
animated.  A  dispatch  was  sent  at  once  to  Washington 
containing  most  important  items  of  news  concerning  the 
movements  of  the  Confederacy.  Moreover,  Herondine 
mentioned  Furflew's  efficient  services  and  recommended 
him  to  receive  higher  pay,  as  well  as  promotion,  when  the 
requirements  of  the  grades  above  him  admitted  of  such. 

Then  Furflew,  seating  himself  at  a  desk,  wrote  the 
following  letter  to  Saracen  Gay : 

I'm  out  of  my  way,  Saracen  Gay,  to  write  to  you.  It's  a  long  time 
since  you  heard  a  word  from  me,  because  this  is  my  first  letter;  but  I 
feel  for  you,  my  poor  man,  as  much  as  I  can,  and  therefore  wish  you 
the  right  to  vote  in  your  own  defense  on  pretense  of  being  worthy. 

What  the  people  say,  Saracen  Gay,  must  be  true  about  you.  You're 
the  poorest  man  in  Christendom  — or  anywhere  else,  for  the  matter  of 


192  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

that.  The  postman  will  not  bring  anything  to  the  door  of  the  poor 
when  'tain't  there,  nor  the  police  chief  give  relief  should  your  leg  of 
mutton  spoil  in  the  boil. 

All  this  goes  to  show,  when  you  know,  there's  one  thing  you  should 
do.  Get  Furflew  and  follow  him  through  thick  and  thin  to  the  bitter 
end.  There  is  nothing  like  it.  He'll  amuse  you.  He'll  make  you 
think  in  a  wink  of  more  fun  than  you  would  gather  in  a  year  without 
him  on  a  run.  You  may  smile  in  a  while  at  others  of  his  ilk  at  a  bilk 
—  but  with  him  you  can  soar  to  a  roar  or  quaff  till  you  laugh  the  mirth 
of  fifty  clowns.  FROM  YOUR  OWN  CORRESPONDENT. 

This  epistle  having  been  dressed  and  pointed  by  Heron- 
dine  so  as  to  make  it  a  combination  of  prose  and  doggerel 
poetry,  to  harmonize  with  Furflew's  humor,  it  was  forwarded 
to  its  destination,  and  the  two  secret  operators  separated 
for  the  night. 


CHAPTER  XV. 

A   TAKING    DESIGN. 

FURFLEW'S  estimate  of  himself  increased  in  propor- 
tion to  the  success  of  his  exhibitions  of  the  art  of 
ventriloquism.  He  began  to  imagine  he  could  readily 
overshadow  legitimate  enterprise  by  the  glamour  of  buffoon- 
ery, and  compel  society,  as  it  were,  to  reverse  the  decision 
made  against  his  trade,  which  had  become  so  widespread 
and  deep-rooted  as  almost  to  defy  the  ultimatum  of  human 
effort  no  matter  how  wisely  or  efficiently  exercised.  In 
former  times  trick  of  the  loop  and  jugglery  were  his  favor- 
ite operations  or  methods  of  making  a  living,  the  spirit  of 
vagabondism  which  they  entailed  having  a  peculiar  influence 
over  his  mind  that  was  not  by  any  means  distasteful  or 
distressing,  but,  on  the  contrary,  quite  desirable;  and 
hence  the  eagerness  with  which  he  pursued  them  :  but  after 
engaging  in  the  service  of  Herondine  he  found  it  neces- 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  193 

sary  to  accept  the  practice  of  ventriloquism  to  the  exclu- 
sion of  other  tricks  so  as  to  stand  within  the  boundaries  of 
the  law. 

His  success  in  this  department  became  so  marked  that 
it  fired  his  genius  to  advance  after  new  glory  and  fresh 
fields  of  wonder  or  delight.  The  ease  displayed  in  the 
capture  of  Saracen  Gay  and  his  man  Flappins  gave  him 
a  potent  factor  on  which  to  base  valuable  data  for  future 
work.  He  concluded  there  were  many  persons  who  when 
confronted  by  minds  stronger  than  their  own  would  will- 
ingly obey  their  behests  and  feel  a  kind  of  pleasure  under 
their  influence  or  restriction.  Even  the  strongest  people 
are  sometimes  childlike.  This  was  a  great  fact  to  seize 
and  utilize  by  one  so  illiterate  as  Furflew ;  but  the  crafty 
nature  of  the  man  made  him  as  bold  in  research  as  a 
scholar  in  philosophy  or  a  thief  after  gain. 

The  plan  submitted  to  Saracen  Gay  and  Flappins  when 
they  next  met  Furflew  was  both  amusing  and  sensational. 
The  first  named  two  men  were  to  obey  Furflew's  dictation 
and  the  direction  of  his  ideas  wholly  during  the  time  de- 
voted to  the  exhibition  as  if  their  minds  had  no  self-capac- 
ity or  power  of  control.  If  he  asked  them  to  see  strange 
birds  on  the  stage,  they  should  show  proper  signs  of  admira- 
tion for  these  creatures,  as  if  they  really  existed ;  or,  should 
he  declare  that  a  section  of  the  Tower  of  Babel  was  in  their 
presence,  they  must  forthwith  extend  their  hands  for  the 
purpose  of  feeling  the  consistence  of  the  ancient  relic. 

Saracen  Gay  became  delighted  with  the  prospect  of  fun 
based  on  such  flimsy  pretenses  as  those  advanced  by  Fur- 
flew;  but,  shallow  as  his  mind  appeared  to  be,  he  believed 
the  public  generally  were  given  to  delusions  and  would  not 
hesitate  now,  nor  would  it  add  much  to  the  discomfiture  of 


194  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

mankind  to  introduce  and  promulgate  a  new  one.  Hence 
he  entered  vigorously  into  the  design  and  consented  to 
follow  Furflew's  instructions  to  the  letter,  guaranteeing  the 
same  for  his  man  Flappins.  In  giving  his  views  on  the 
occasion,  Saracen  Gay  remarked : 

"  It's  like  catching  a  man  on  the  hip,  or  worse." 

"Just  the  thing,"  answered  Flappins.  "We  might 
call  it  the  science  of  hipism." 

"Or  hypnotism,"  added  Saracen  Gay.  "How  consid- 
erate you  are,  Flappins,  to  give  me  the  suitable  word  and 
then  approve  it !  —  but  you  were  always  great." 

Furflew,  not  to  be  outdone  in  courtesy,  said  : 

"  The  name  is  O.  K.  Now,  to  make  the  public  stick  to  it 
we'll  do  this:  whenever  you  stand  up  in  answer  to  my 
calls,  walk  as  if  you  were  bound  in  the  hips,  or  hip-screwed. 
They  will  see  at  once  that  the  secret  power  raises  Cain  with 
the  hips  to  begin  with,  and  spreads  over  the  rest  of  the 
body  afterwards." 

That  night  there  was  a  large-  audience  to  greet  Furflew 
in  the  public  hall  which  had  been  rented  for  the  occasion. 
Having  become  popular  on  the  street,  the  opening  night, 
the  first  of  his  evening  performances,  was  well  patron- 
ized. Harassed  by  civil  war  on  the  one  hand,  the  people 
favored  anything  likely  to  amuse  them  on  the  other.  If 
they  wept  today,  it  was  their  intention  to  laugh  tomorrow. 
Such  is  human  nature,  true  to  natural  law  ;  which  gives  us 
sunshine  and  showers,  growth  and  decay,  consolidating  and 
loosening  life  and  death. 

Furflew  rose  to  eminence  when  the  curtain  went  up  and 
he  stood  face  to  face  with  those  who  were  willing  to  pay  for 
mirth.  Not  only  had  he  devoted  more  attention  to  his  dress 
to  meet  the  importance  of  this  the  greatest  triumph  of  his 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  195 

life,  but  he  exceeded  his  previous  efforts  at  mimicry  and 
fairly  bristled  with  genius.  It  was  towards  the  close  of  the 
series  of  performances  already  announced  that  he  undertook 
to  introduce  his  new  scheme.  Extending  his  right  hand 
towards  the  audience  as  if  he  meant  to  exercise  conjuration 
over  it,  he  said  : 

"  If  any  one  here  feels  my  secret  power,  let  him  or  her 
stand  up." 

The  surprise  which  this  proposition  evoked  was  barely  at 
its  height  when  one  equally  great  followed.  Two  men 
responded  to  the  invitation  and  stood  rigid  in  their  places, 
one  on  each  side  of  the  hall,  awaiting  further  instructions. 
At  a  glance  it  could  be  seen  they  were  Saracen  Gay  and  his 
man  Risbon  Flappins.  The  incident  gave  rise  to  great 
merriment.  The  house  roared.  It  was  a  new  thing,  a 
taking  design,  and  succeeded  even  beyond  all  expectation. 

"  Come  forward,"  said  Furflew. 

The  men  moved  in  obedience  to  the  command,  but  it 
was  noticed  they  slid  their  feet  over  the  surface  of  the  floor 
as  if  unable  to  walk  freely  or  that  they  were  suffering  from 
rigidity  of  the  joints.  When  they  reached  the  stage  and 
began  to  perform  in  obedience  to  the  suggestions  of  Fur- 
flew,  the  house  went  into  new  bursts  of  applause  and  mer- 
riment. Saracen  Gay  and  Flappins  danced  to  the  strains 
of  imaginary  music,  pulled  bell  ropes  that  had  no  exist- 
ence, and  threshed  corn  where  there  was  none,  besides 
executing  several  other  remarkable  feats  under  the  spell  of 
enchantment  by  which  they  seemed  bound.  Nor  did  the 
amusement  of  the  occasion  falter  at  this  point.  Something 
else  appeared  that  transcended  all  other  incidents  witnessed 
that  evening,  and  wound  up  in  a  climax  long  to  be  remem- 
bered. 


196  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

During  a  lull  in  the  performance,  a  tall,  dark-visaged 
man  was  seen  to  enter  the  lower  end  of  the  side  passage 
leading  the  entire  length  of  the  hall  from  one  of  the  street 
entrances  to  the  stage.  He  seemed  to  have  just  arrived 
and  to  want  to  transact  a  little  business  of  importance  with 
the  performer ;  for  he  held  his  head  high  in  the  air, 
hummed  to  himself  a  favorite  tune,  glanced  furtively,  if 
not  carelessly,  at  the  audience,  and  smiled  when  he  saw  the 
men  on  the  stage  in  the  full  glare  of  the  gaslight.  It  was 
evident  from  his  nonchalant  manner  he  felt  quite  at  home 
and  sure  of  his  purpose.  He  even  stopped  and  leaned 
against  the  wall  so  as  to  permit  the  people  to  enjoy  the  full 
measure  of  pleasure  which  appeared  to  be  their  portion  on 
that  night. 

Furflew  saw  the  stranger  the  first  instant  of  his  appear- 
ance. In  the  glory  of  his  triumph,  it  was  some  time  be- 
fore he  realized  anything  odd  or  unusual  in  the  circum- 
stance. When,  however,  he  began  to  see  clearly  what  the 
dark  man's  presence  meant,  he  stood  up  first  in  awe,  then 
trembled  like  one  in  front  of  an  executioner.  He  turned 
red  ;  then  grew  white.  His  companions  heard  him  mutter 
a  sound  resembling  the  combination  of  a  curse  and  a  groan, 
but  believed  it  was  due  as  much  to  exultation  as  anything 
else,  so  little  do  some  people  know  of  the  reality.  His 
look  was  so  intently  fixed  on  the  man  in  the  alleyway  that 
the  people  believed  the  latter  a  fresh  neophyte  of  hypno- 
tism, whereas,  unfortunately,  Furflew  in  this  case  was  the 
victim.  He  was  not  only  caught  on  the  hip,  but  through 
the  heart  and  on  the  head,  metaphorically  speaking,  by 
him  who  had  been  the  terror  of  his  life  and  who  had  ap- 
peared once  more  to  seal  his  doom  forever  —  Danderton 
Hitch,  the  detective  ! 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  197 

In  the  big  pocket  of  his  overcoat  Danderton  rattled 
something  like  a  chain.  To  some  ears  the  sound  was  inter- 
esting, if  not  musical ;  but  Furflew  knew  it  to  emanate 
from  the  links  of  a  set  of  handcuffs  with  which  his  enemy 
loved  to  play  before  seizing  his  prisoner.  It  was  like  the 
ominous  stroke  of  a  hammer  in  the  construction  of  a 
gallows  to  him  who  was  about  to  be  executed.  Before  his 
first  paroxysm  of  fear  ended,  he  felt  his  wrists  alternately 
with  each  hand,  contemplating  their  power  of  endurance, 
and  looked  around  the  stage  as  if  seeking  a  precipice  into 
which  he  meant  to  fall,  like  one  pursued  by  a  vicious  dog. 

It  was  singular  and  terrible  how  he  had  become  the  sport 
of  circumstances.  Raised  to  a  great  height  by  success  in 
one  instant,  only  to  fall  into  ignominious  defeat  the  next. 
Yesterday  the  idol  of  the  people,  today  a  prisoner — for  he 
would  be  one  presently,  with  the  prospect  of  a  dark  cell  in 
the  enemy's  prison  awaiting  him  and  certain  death  imme- 
diately thereafter.  He  shuddered;  and  Saracen  Gay  thought 
the  current  of  air  through  the  hall  was  making  him  cold. 
This  was  the  first  time  he  had  encountered  real  danger, 
and,  naturally,  the  situation  astounded  him;  but  by  a  great 
effort  he  preserved  a  calm  demeanor  and  ventured  to  look 
up  a  plan  of  escape.  There  could  be  no  doubt  Danderton 
had  the  advantages  in  his  favor,  compared  with  Furflew, 
in  the  present  emergency.  He  possessed  the  secret  of  the 
performer's  identity,  knew  he  had  been  a  soldier  in  the 
Confederate  army  in  Charleston  harbor,  and  strongly  sus- 
pected him  of  being  what  he  really  was — a  companion  of 
Herondine  and  a  spy  in  the  service  of  the  North. 

When  the  interval  of  rest  terminated,  Danderton  ad- 
vanced towards  the  stage.  At  the  same  time,  Furflew, 
stepping  to  the  footlights,  addressed  the  audience.  He  said  : 


198  AV  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

"You  see,  fellow-citizens,  my  followers  are  increasing. 
Now,  this  third  man  will  act  rather  strangely  and  therefore 
must  be  held  by  the  others  until  he  grows  tame  under  force. 
He  has  caught  on  lively.  Got  a  full  dose,  you  bet,  and  is 
in  it.  Flappins  and  Saracen,  you  see  to  him." 

As  Danderton  stepped  on  the  stage,  Flappins  seized  him 
by  the  collar,  and  a  wild  tussle  ensued  amid  the  uproar  of 
the  house.  The  struggle  was  fierce  for  a  short  time,  during 
which  Danderton  endeavored  to  draw  his  revolver;  but 
Flappins  had  anticipated  the  movement  and  held  his  arm 
with  his  right  hand,  while  with  his  left  he  gave  him  a 
straight  punch  in  the  stomach  that  came  near  doubling  him 
up. 

"Give  it  to  him  good,  Ris,"  said  Saracen  Gay,  delighted 
with  such  fun,  as  he  hopped  round  the  contestants,  but  was 
afraid  to  touch  either  lest  he  should  be  sent  sprawling  to 
the  floor. 

"Saracen,  you  leave  him  to  me,"  said  Flappins.  "It 
ain't  becoming  for  a  poor  man  as  you  are  to  handle  such 
game  as  this.  I  could  settle  three  like  him." 

Saracen  Gay  laughed  immoderately  at  this  assurance, 
being  unable  to  speak  through  excess  of  feeling.  It  could 
be  easily  seen  that  Flappins  was  gifted  with  great  power, 
and  delighted  in  giving  it  a  test.  Danderton  was  strong, 
full  of  endurance,  and  athletic ;  but  in  the  hands  of  Flap- 
pins  he  was  a  mere  boy. 

"Keep  that  little  gun  in  your  pocket,"  said  Flappins, 
after  he  had  convinced  his  opponent  how  useless  it  was  for 
him  to  attempt  to  gain  superiority  by  the  exercise  of  brute 
force,  "  because  it  might  hurt  yourself.  Little  toys  of  that 
kind  are  liable  to  do  some  damage  in  the  hands  of  chil- 
dren." 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  199 

"Do  you  know  who  I  am?"  asked  Danderton,  with 
some  pride,  while  he  trembled  from  chagrin  and  pain. 

"  Hear  him,  Saracen,"  rejoined  Flappins. 

"  I  know  him,  Ris,"  answered  Saracen  Gay.  "  He's  an 
old  pumpkin." 

"I  tell  you  I  am  a  —  " 

The  conclusion  of  this  sentence  was  drowned  in  the 
burst  of  laughter  which  the  two  friends  sent  forth  and  that 
was  taken  up  by  the  audience  as  an  assurance  that  they  were 
fully  amused  by  the  vagaries  of  hypnotism  as  shown  in  the 
new  convert. 

But  where  was  Furflew?  Looking  around  the  stage, 
Saracen  Gay  found  he  had  disappeared,  but,  strange  to  say, 
ascribed  his  absence  to  natural  causes  rather  than  to  the 
fear  of  impending  danger.  Hence,  when  the  janitor  came 
forward  and  announced  the  performance  at  an  end,  no  one 
suspected  there  had  occurred  anything  outside  the  sphere 
of  ordinary  stage  business. 

The  people  rose  and  crowded  into  the  passages,  jostling 
against  each  other  good-humoredly  in  their  efforts  to  get 
out,  and  laughing  at  remarks  pertaining  to  the  evening's 
amusement.  Flappins  discharged  Danderton  with  an  ad- 
monition not  to  attempt  interference  with  "  the  poor  man 
of  Christendom"  or  his  affairs  in  future,  otherwise  he 
would  come  to  grief  soon  and  sudden ;  and  then  with  his 
master  mingled  through  the  crowd,  believing  they  would 
meet  Furflew  on  the  following  morning. 

It  must  be  said  of  the  Northern  man  that  the  chief  inci- 
dents of  that  night  were  the  boldest  and  most  skillful  acts 
of  his  whole  career.  Even  during  his  retreat,  with  his 
glory  extinguished  like  the  snuffing  of  a  candle,  he  chuck- 
led at  the  cleverness  of  his  venture —  how  he  managed  to 


200  /Ar  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

escape  capture.  When  Flapping  laid  hold  of  Danderton, 
Furflew  withdrew  through  a  door  at  the  back  of  the  stage, 
and,  meeting  the  janitor  in  the  corridor,  told  him  his 
assistants  were  at  the  last  act  and  when  they  had  finished 
he  could  step  on  to  the  stage  and  announce  the  perform- 
ance at  an  end.  As  payment  in  advance  had  been  made 
for  the  use  of  the  hall,  the  request  would  be  complied  with, 
the  man  said ;  and  Furflew  left  the  building.  Then  his 
make-up  came  down  piece  by  piece.  The  artificial  nose 
was  crushed  into  his  pocket ;  the  mustache  disappeared  ; 
his  hat  was  given  an  ugly  bruise  to  knock  it  out  of  shape  ; 
and  he  pulled  the  collar  of  his  coat  around  his  neck  as  if 
suffering  from  malaria.  In  this  condition  he  appeared 
before  Herondine,  who  recognized  instantly  that  danger 
must  be  near  at  hand. 

"  I  am  ready,"  said  the  chief.     "  What  is  it?  " 

"The  old  thing;  Danderton  is  on  the  track,"  replied 
Furflew;  and  he  added,  "just  fifteen  minutes  to  get  out." 

"Pooh!"  rejoined  Herondine,  "more  time  than  we 
need.  The  bills  are  paid,  the  line  is  clear,  and  nothing 
further  to  detain  us.  Come." 

They  left  the  hotel  hurriedly  together  and  five  minutes 
afterward  were  in  the  secret  route  on  their  way  to  Wash- 
ington. 

"I  wonder  where  is  Furflew,"  said  Saracen  Gay,  looking 
round  and  addressing  Flappins  after  they  had  waited  in 
vain  on  the  street  for  his  reappearance  next  day. 

"  I  bet  a  dime  the  friends  of  that  dandy  fellow  we  had  a 
tussle  with  last  night  ran  into  him.  They'd  do  it  to  get 
even  for  giving  him  the  hypnotize." 

"That's  it,  sure,  Ris.  How  many  do  you  think  went 
at  him?" 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  201 

"  Oh  !  about  seventeen,  all  told,  from  the  grandfather 
down  to  the  third  cousin  far  removed." 

"It  was  lucky  we  were  not  in  his  company  when  it 
happened." 

"Lucky  for  them,  you  mean!  I  should  say  it  was. 
I'd  have  whipped  the  entire  crowd  in  two  minutes  and  a 
half.  After  that  you  could  see  nothing  of  them  but  the 
dust  they  raised  while  flying  from  my  vengeance." 

"I  say,  Flappins,"  said  Saracen  Gay  after  a  hearty 
laugh,  "didn't  the  new  fellow  take  to  it  in  great  style, 
though?" 

"  Never  saw  the  beat  of  it,  Saracen.  Why,  I  could  feel 
the  darn  thing  on  the  inside  riling  me  while  I  held  him. 
It  was  nothing  else." 

"  Flappins,  I'm  serious.  Could  we  not  open  business  on 
our  own  account?  " 

"  Of  course  we  can.  In  these  later  days  I  never  heard 
anything  so  novel  as  this  suggestion  of  yours." 

"We  might  follow  in  our  comrade's  footsteps,  be  his 
disciples,  and  take  on  to  the  profession." 

"That  is  a  rernarkably  bright  idea,  Saracen." 

"We  could  make  money,  you  know." 

"  Barrels  of  it;  but,  as  you  will  never  be  more  than  a 
poor  man,  I  could  take  the  coin  as  my  share." 

"  And  what  would  you  call  mine,  Ris?  " 
•"Let  me  see,"  answered  Flappins  reflectively.     "I'd 
name  it  'the  honor  of  the  thing.'     You  are  the  soul  of 
honor.     That  is  all  you  need,  and  that's  all  you'd  get." 

"  Oh,  how  wise  you  are,  Flappins,  and  considerate  !  but 
tell  me  —  would  we  attempt  ventriloquism  ? ' ' 

"  Naw,"  returned  the  man  contemptuously.  "  There  is 
too  much  uphill  work  and  squeaking  in  that  job.  Plain 


202  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

hypnotism  as  received  from  the  professor  is  all  we'll  do ; 
for,  let  me  tell  you,  Saracen,  of  all  the  easy  trades  to  learn 
in  the  world  that  stands  first." 

"  Suppose  some  of  the  converts  become  unmanageable  ?" 

"  Put  on  an  extra  hand  —  one  of  the  unemployed." 

"  Do  you  think,  Flappins,  it  will  be  easy  to  find  persons 
to  act  as  we  did  —  under  the  influence  of  hypnotism,  you 
know?" 

"I'll  manage  that  part,  you  bet.  Get  'em  by  the  dozen. 
If  in  no  other  way,  run  'em  in  at  a  dollar  a  head." 

"  Then  we  need  not  bring  them  along  like  circus  people 
or  those  of  a  box-show?  " 

"Not  much.  We  can  find  a  new  set  in  everyplace. 
You  and  I  will  be  professors,  dress  in  long  coats  with  fur 
collars,  wear  flesh-colored  gloves,  carry  riding  whips,  have 
our  handkerchiefs  scented  every  morning,  up  to  snuff,  and 
let  our  hair  grow  down  to  our  shoulders.  O  Saracen, 
won't  we  have  the  gay  old  times !  " 

Saracen  Gay  laughed  until  tears  came  into  his  eyes  at 
the  golden  prospect  outlined  by  Flappins.  When  he  re- 
covered sufficiently  to  speak,  he  said  : 

"  Ris,  you're  wonderful.  I  believe  you  are  the  greatest 
there  is." 

"I  have  something  more  to  spring  on  to  you,  Saracen. 
We'll  get  out  bills.  I'll  engineer  it  in  this  way.  I'll  pile 
up  the  biggest  sell  out  —  all  for  fun,  of  course.  This  is 
what  will  meet  the  public  eye  :  *  The  Greatest  Attraction 
of  the  Age.  Wonders  of  Nature  Revealed.  Saturday 
evening  at  South  Side  Hall  there  will  appear  for  the  first 
time  Professor  Risbon  Flappins  assisted  by  Professor  Sara- 
cen Gay  in  their  soul-stirring  exhibitions  of  hypnotism 
which  have  lately  captured  public  attention  by  their  won- 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  203 

derful  and  mysterious  power.    Come  early  and  secure  seats.' ' 

"  Now,  really,  Ris,  will  the  people  gather  in  response  to 
this  invitation  and  pay  money  besides?  " 

"Will  they?  If  the  hall  ain't  crowded  to  the  door 
never  call  me  Flappins  again,  but  'fool.'  Why,  Saracen, 
you  have  no  idea  the  way  people  spend  hard-earned 
money ;  but,  as  it's  none  of  our  business  except  to  take  it 
in,  mum's  the  word." 

In  order  to  complete  his  preliminary  arrangements  for 
the  contemplated  performance,  Flappins  left  Saracen  Gay 
at  home  and  proceeded  to  the  city  alone  on  a  tour  of  in- 
vestigation. He  was  desirous  of  ascertaining  how  far  he 
could  be  successful  in  the  enlistment  or  engagement  of 
persons  willing  to  act  as  if  under  hypnotic  or  exterior 
influence,  paying  them,  of  course,  a  stated  sum  for  their 
services.  It  occurred  to  him  if  those  skilled  in  singing  or 
dancing  were  selected  and  paid  a  higher  rate  of  wages  than 
ordinary  workers,  the  introduction  of  hypnotism  as  their 
additional  accomplishment  on  the  stage  would  add  largely 
to  the  general  amusement.  In  this  design  they  would,  he 
thought,  exceed  the  details  of  Furflew's  masterly  entertain- 
ment, and  he  was  quite  correct.  The  evidence  of  his 
success  appeared  next  day  when  he  and  his  employer  sat  in 
the  anteroom  of  the  hall  where  their  theatrical  venture  was 
to  appear.  About  noon,  Flappins,  beckoning  to  Saracen 
Gay  as  a  sign  that  he  was  to  accompany  him,  said  : 

"  Come,  Saracen,  let  me  show  you  something."  Throw- 
ing open  the  door,  the  man  continued :  "  Look." 

The  passage  was  full  of  people :  nay,  on  reaching  the 
front  entrance  they  saw  a  multitude  on  the  outside,  of  all 
ages  and  conditions,  awaiting  with  apparent  eagerness 
some  expected  event. 


204  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

"  Flappins,"  said  Saracen  Gay,  in  amazement,  "do  tell 
me  what  are  these  people  looking  for  ;  what,  in  fact,  is  their 
objective  point?  " 

"  Those,"  replied  the  man,  speaking  guardedly  in  a  low 
tone  so  as  not  to  be  heard  by  any  one  but  his  companion, 
"  want  the  hypnotize  bad,  for  all  that's  out.  I  gave  a  few 
pointers  last  night  in  several  places  just  to  see  how  the  thing 
would  work,  and  here  we  are  as  full  of  business  as  a  green 
grocer  on  a  Saturday  night.  Oh  !  the  way  they  catch  on 
is  a  caution." 

"  How  did  you  do  it,  Ris?  " 

"  I  told  them  we'd  pay  a  dollar  a  head  for  rough  ones, 
and  upwards  for  better  —  or  worse,  as  the  case  might  be." 

"  Are  they  willing  to  act  ?  " 

"Like  a  charm." 

"  Won't  tell  the  secret  ?  " 

"  Naw,  any  more  nor  you  or  I." 

"It's  wonderful,"  said  Saracen  Gay  reflectively,  and  he 
continued :  "  How  can  we  get  out  of  this  scrape?  " 

"  There  ain't  none.  We  will  employ  ten  new  hands  every 
night  while  the  play  lasts,  and  tell  the  others  to  call  again." 

The  performance  presented  by  Flappins  and  Saracen  Gay 
that  night  was  a  brilliant  exposition  of  the  new  science. 
"The  poor  man  of  Christendom  "  was  delighted  beyond 
description,  for  he  had  found  a  profession  suited  to  his  con- 
dition and  tastes.  Henceforth  Flappins  need  not  worry 
about  discovering  new  sources  of  pleasure  to  amuse  his 
charge,  because  Furflew's  ingenious  contrivance  covered 
the  whole  field.  In  speaking  of  their  success,  Saracen  Gay 
remarked : 

"Ris,  our  friend  the  professor  was  great  in  more  ways 
than  one.  Don't  you  recollect  how  he  foretold  I  would 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  205 

get  a  letter  next  day?  Well,  sure  enough,  it  came.  That 
was  the  most  wonderful  insight  into  the  future  I  ever  knew 
or  heard  of.  Did  you  ever  hear  anything  to  beat  it,  Ris?  " 

"Never,  Saracen;  nor  anybody  else,  to  my  way  of 
thinking." 

"  It  came  from  our  own  correspondent.  I  never  knew 
we  had  one,  Ris.  How  did  you  get  him  on?  " 

Flappins  seemed  puzzled  by  this  question,  but,  after  some 
reflection,  replied : 

"  I  gave  him  a  trial  to  see  how  he'd  make  it,  engaging 
at  the  same  time  that  we  would  call  quits  after  the  first 
letter.  I  said  I  didn't  want  to  see  him  work  himself  up, 
like  one  man  I  knew  in  a  newspaper  office,  who  resembled 
a  chimney  sweep — he  was  blacker  at  the  top  than  he  was  at 
the  bottom.  He  couldn't  write  anything  better  than  his 
first,  or  worse  at  any  stage  of  his  elevation.  Therefore  I 
advised  him  to  keep  as  dark  in  the  future  as  he  was  in  the 
past." 

"You're  a  wonderful  judge,  Ris,"  remarked  Saracen 
Gay,  as  the  two  professors  moved  off  to  their  quarters  so  as 
to  prepare  for  the  enjoyment  of  a  good  dinner. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

SOME  SECRETS  NEVER  TOLD. 

HERONDINE  and  Furflew   returned  to  Washington 
after  their  second  hazardous  expedition  in  the  midst 
of  popular  excitement  and  active  preparation  for  war  on 
a  large  scale.     There  was  little  delay  in  reaching  a  new 
duty.     Herondine  was  designated  an  emergency  aid-de- 


206  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

camp  to  the  commanding  general  in  the  field.  This  assign- 
ment was  not  known  to  the  public  or  spread  on  the  records; 
indeed,  the  commander  had  no  conception  of  the  number 
or  identity  of  such  aids  in  his  service ;  but  it  was  a  fact, 
notwithstanding,  and  deemed  advisable  by  the  Secret  Serv- 
ice Bureau  as  a  precautionary  measure  rarely  if  ever  omitted 
on  important  occasions;  and,  besides,  accorded  entirely 
with  the  man's  own  wishes.  Thus  Herondine  would  in 
time  come  face  to  face  with  death  on  the  battlefield.  Furflew 
attended  to  his  chief's  horse  as  well  as  his  own,  which  car- 
ried a  pack  saddle  filled  with  necessaries. 

One  peculiarity  of  the  secret  service  is,  the  agents  of  it 
are  free  to  wander  where  they  please,  guided  by  their  own 
judgment.  Although  Herondine  and  Furflew  had  specific 
duties,  yet  they  were  bound  to  no  man  nor  restrained  in 
their  movements  by  any  general  or  special  order.  Hence 
their  preparations  were  made  to  partake  of  as  much  com- 
fort and  satisfaction  as  possible  without  trespassing  too  far 
on  official  privilege. 

While  in  Washington,  they  listened  to  the  news  some- 
what after  the  manner  of  children  awed  into  silence  by 
the  deep  reverberations  of  thunder.  Every  day — nay, 
every  hour  —  came  charged  with  sensational  events.  Vir- 
ginia, the  grand  old  state,  with  its  comely  physical  features 
and  famous  historical  record,  plunged  headlong  into  seces- 
sion, carrying  with  it  the  future  general-in-chief  of  the 
Confederate  army  and  a  host  of  soldiers.  The  Sixth  Mass- 
achusetts Regiment  of  militia,  on  its  way  to  Washington, 
was  attacked  by  a  mob  in  the  streets  of  Baltimore,  showing 
the  sympathy  prevailing  at  that  point  for  the  cause  of  the 
South ;  and  that  portion  of  public  opinion  heretofore 
muzzled  by  the  law,  now  broke  loose  without  restraint  into 


THE  FIA'ST  DEGREE.  207 

one   long   tirade   of  abuse   against   order,   decency,    and 
justice. 

People  began  to  imagine  the  pretensions  of  the  North 
regarding  the  Union  could  not  be  sustained  In  the  face  of 
all  these  significant  signs ;  and  even  men  of  superior  ability, 
whose  opinions  had  been  consulted  on  these  questions,  held 
it  wise  to  let  the  South  go. 

The  information  obtained  by  the  Federal  government, 
through  its  agents,  of  the  plans  of  the  Confederacy  pointed 
to  an  early  movement  on  Washington  with  the  intention  of 
capturing  that  stronghold  and  thus  forcing  a  settlement  of 
the  war  in  harmony  with  Southern  aspirations ;  and  it  soon 
became  apparent  that  this  belief  was  well  founded,  for  not 
only  did  the  Southern  executive  change  its  situation  from 
Montgomery,  Alabama,  to  Richmond,  Virginia,  but  the 
veteran  general  Beauregard,  with  most  of  the  available 
troops  of  the  South  —  about  twenty-five  thousand  men  — 
appeared  in  that  state  and  began  the  construction  of  a  for- 
tified line  of  defense  along  the  river  Bull  Run,  extending  in 
a  direction  southeast  to  northwest,  within  two  days'  march 
of  the  Federal  capital.  While  this  movement  was  not 
necessarily  the  inauguration  of  a  siege  line  or  a  storming 
party,  yet  no  one  could  predict  to  what  uses  it  might  be 
applied  in  future  if  disaster  overtook  the  Union  soldiers. 

The  situation  was  decidedly  menacing.  General  Beau- 
regard's  headquarters  were  at  Manassas  Junction,  a  point 
of  meeting  for  the  Orange,  Alexandria,  and  Manassas  Gap 
railroads;  and  Bull  Run  was  situated  about  three  miles  in 
front,  in  the  direction  of  Washington.  To  the  right, 
thirty  miles  distant  on  the  lower  Potomac  River,  was  a 
Confederate  force  of  three  thousand  men  under  General 
Holmes ;  while  on  the  left,  sixty  miles  away,  appeared  the 


208  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

Army  of  the  Shenandoah,  under  the  command  of  General 
Joseph  E.  Johnston,  eight  or  nine  thousand  strong.  This 
force  rested  on  the  upper  Potomac,  and  completed  an 
irregular  crescent  whose  principal  points  not  only  threat- 
ened Washington,  but  also  commanded  the  approaches  to 
Richmond. 

The  part  of  Virginia  where  Beauregard's  army  then  oper- 
ated was  one  great  plain,  relieved  to  some  extent  by  the 
ridge  of  the  Blue  Mountains,  forming  the  eastern  boundary 
of  the  Shenandoah  valley.  The  passage  of  the  James 
River,  on  which  Richmond  is  situated,  was  guarded  by 
two  Confederate  forces ;  and  altogether  this  first  strategic 
display  on  the  part  of  the  South  seemed  to  indicate  im- 
mense success  in  the  near  future. 

On  the  other  hand,  the  executive  in  Washington,  ad- 
vised by  the  veteran  general  Winfield  Scott,  pushed  for- 
ward troops  to  check  the  further  advance  of  the  Confed- 
erates and  protect  the  people  of  a  few  doubtful  states  from 
the  baleful  influence  of  secession.  General  Patterson,  an 
experienced  and  reliable  officer,  commanded  the  Federal 
right  wing  —  about  fifteen  thousand  men  —  in  front  of 
Johnston.  General  B.  F.  Butler  occupied  the  left  with  a 
force  of  Union  patriots,  while  Irvin  McDowell,  promoted 
to  the  rank  of  brigadier  general  for  the  occasion,  assumed 
control  of  the  center,  designed  to  test  the  prowess  of  Beau- 
regard's  army. 

It  was  a  fair  adjustment  of  principals,  where  the  men  in 
whom  the  North  confided  were  as  staunch  and  brave  and 
reputable  as  their  opponents ;  and  no  decision  could  be 
deduced  from  appearances  or  conjecture  as  to  how  the 
palm  of  victory  should  tend  in  the  first  great  battle  of  the 
war. 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  209 

General  McDowell  claimed  Columbus,  Ohio,  as  his 
birthplace.  He  was  a  classmate  of  Beauregard's  at  the 
military  academy  of  West  Point,  and  after  graduating  with 
honors  at  that  institution  was  assigned  to  the  artillery 
branch  of  the  United  States  army.  Besides  his  educational 
courses  in  America,  he  had  spent  some  of  his  earlier  years 
in  the  college  of  Troyes,  France ;  so  that  his  varied  accom- 
plishments and  the  broad  scope  of  his  knowledge  fitted 
him  for  important  military  services  in  his  native  country. 
He  was  instructor  of  infantry  tactics  at  West  Point,  adju- 
tant general  of  General  Wool's  column  in  the  Mexican 
War,  aid-de-camp  to  the  general-in-chief  at  Washington, 
and  inspector  of  troops.  On  General  Scott's  recommenda- 
tion he  was  promoted  to  the  rank  of  brigadier  general  in 
May,  1 86 1,  and  assigned  to  the  command  of  the  Depart- 
ment of  Northwestern  Virginia,  where  the  troops  constitut- 
ing the  center  of  the  Federal  army  were  congregating. 

General  McDowell  was  a  whole-souled  patriot  and 
soldier,  faithful  to  his  country  in  the  hour  of  her  peril, 
with  the  instincts  of  a  gentleman,  the  ability  of  a  scholar, 
and  the  honesty  of  one  in  whom  the  nation  at  large  could 
implicitly  trust.  His  command  began  to  form  on  the 
south  side  of  the  Potomac  River  opposite  Washington 
some  time  before  his  assignment  to  duty  with  it,  and  in 
numbers  finally  reached  about  thirty-five  thousand  men, 
with  forty-nine  pieces  of  artillery.  Besides  being  bur- 
dened with  the  weight  of  a  critical  public  opinion,  ever 
ready  to  censure  or  question  his  movements  if  not  in  har- 
mony with  the  current  of  its  spontaneous  views,  McDowell 
had  other  difficulties  to  meet  in  the  formation  of  his  army, 
the  most  important  being  that  the  three-months  men 
enlisted  in  April  would  be  entitled  to  leave  the  field  in 


210  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

July;  and  if  any  considerable  number  of  these  soldiers 
made  a  homeward  movement  on  the  eve  of  a  battle,  it 
might  probably  result  in  disaster  to  those  remaining  if  not 
supported  by  fresh  troops.  However,  a  large  class  of  the 
people  of  the  North  was  eager  for  active  field  service ;  and, 
stimulated  by  the  cry  of  "  On  to  Richmond,"  McDowell 
gave  the  order  to  march. 

Herondine  and  Furflew  were  among  the  crowd  of  civil- 
ians present  with  the  army  on  the  morning  of  that  memor- 
able day,  July  sixteenth,  1861,  when  the  bugle  sounded 
the  call  to  arms  and  the  long  roll  of  the  drums  beat  the 
summons  to  "fall  in."  It  was  noon  before  the  line  of 
march  was  taken  up,  the  men  being  cheered  by  the  inspir- 
ing sounds  of  martial  music  and  the  sight  presented  to 
view  of  moving  columns  of  comrades  in  gay  uniforms. 
Nevertheless,  it  must  be  admitted  the  soldiers  sweltered 
under  their  equipments.  The  weather  was  hot,  the  roads 
dry  and  dusty,  as  well  as  blocked  up  by  trees,  causing 
much  delay  and  the  expenditure  of  extra  labor  in  clearing 
the  passage.  Besides,  although  the  general  conformation 
of  the  land  seemed  flat,  there  were  inequalities  in  the  sur- 
face of  it,  tending  to  impede  the  steady  advance  of  troops ; 
yet  nature  supplied  some  relief  to  him  who  turned  to  her 
in  that  hour. 

The  view  on  each  side  of  the  route  was  pleasing,  diver- 
sified by  the  appearance  of  trees  in  groups,  picturesque 
ravines,  and  pleasant-looking  homesteads.  One  could  see 
the  solemn  aspect  of  spruce,  cedar,  and -pine  among  the 
woods,  and  the  far-famed  evergreen  holly  decking  the 
upland  near  the  houses.  Clusters  of  ferns  flanked  the 
trail,  interspersed  with  honeysuckle,  lupine,  and  fairy  flax ; 
and  in  the  orchards,  which  were  numerous,  the  appearance 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  211 

of  fruit  gave  evidence  that  the  coming  yield  would  be 
abundant.  In  the  still  atmosphere  the  songs  of  birds  were 
heard,  as  if  intended  to  be  an  accompaniment  to  the  sun- 
shine; and  many  limpid  streams  of  crystal  water  came 
gushing  to  the  feet  of  the  invaders,  echoing  the  music 
above. 

The  Confederates  fell  back  without  offering  much  resist- 
ance, in  obedience  to  the  orders  of  their  commander, 
whose  strategic  plans  had  been  matured  some  time  before 
the  Federal  advance.  Tyler's  division  of  the  Federal 
army,  with  orders  to  push  beyond  Centerville,  where 
McDowell's  headquarters  were  stationed,  and  appear  as  if 
intending  to  move  on  Manassas  Junction,  the  place  where 
the  Confederate  army  was  supposed  to  be,  was  made  ab- 
ruptly aware  of  the  true  position,  for,  while  reconnoitering 
on  the  eighteenth  with  Richardson's  brigade,  Tyler  came 
upon  the  enemy  at  Blackburn's  Ford,  on  Bull  Run,  fully 
three  miles  northward  of  Manassas.  Attempting  to  force 
a  closer  inspection  of  the  ford,  Tyler  was  driven  back, 
suffering  some  loss  in  killed  and  wounded.  Other  recon- 
noissances  and  reports  came  in  giving  evidence  of  the  fact 
that  along  the  banks  of  this  beautiful  stream  the  battle 
must  be  fought,  for  Beauregard's  forces  were  here  prepared 
to  dispute  any  further  invasion  of  their  territory. 

The  Confederate  line  of  battle  followed  the  serpentine 
course  of  the  stream  for  a  distance  of  eight  miles,  the 
right  resting  at  Union  Mills,  southeast,  while  the  left  held 
the  passage  of  the  stone  bridge,  northwest,  over  which  the 
public  road  ran  from  Centerville  to  Gainesville  and  thence 
towards  Manassas.  This  road  was  also  called  the  Warren- 
ton  turnpike.  Between  the  right  and  left,  the  Confederate 
forces  had  been  distributed  in  groups — brigades  —  within 


212  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

supporting  distance  of  each  other.  This  plan  became 
feasible  on  account  of  the  character  of  Bull  Run,  its  banks 
being  rocky  and  precipitous,  flanked  by  thick  brushwood, 
as  well  as  that  the  stream  itself  was  impassable,  owing  to 
summer  rains ;  but  at  the  intermediate  points  referred  to 
sand  bars  and  gravel  had  formed  tolerably  fair  passages 
for  teams,  on  which,  generally,  there  appeared  but  a  few 
feet  of  water.  These  passages  were  called  ''fords." 
Thus,  while  General  Ewell  held  the  right  at  Union  Mills, 
Jones  guarded  the  passage  of  McLean's  Ford ;  Longstreet, 
that  of  Blackburn's  Ford;  Bonham,  Mitchell's  Ford; 
Cocke,  Ball's  and  Lewis's  fords;  and  Evans,  the  stone 
bridge.  Besides,  General  Holmes  came  up  on  the  eve  of 
battle  to  support  Beauregard's  right,  and  Johnston's  army, 
from  the  Shenandoah,  to  strengthen  his  left  and  center; 
while  McDowell  received  no  addition  to  his  army  from 
one  point  or  the  other,  although  numbers  of  his  men  had 
fallen  out  of  ranks  since  the  beginning  of  the  march. 

It  was  Sunday  morning,  July  twenty-first,  1861.  The 
dawn  broke  over  the  eastern  sky  with  a  sympathetic  ex- 
pression for  the  condition  of  the  earth,  regardless  of  the 
petty  turmoil  agitating  the  minds  of  men.  It  smiled 
sweetly  at  the  appearance  of  night  retreating  over  the  hori- 
zon like  some  contemptible  wretch  anxious  to  seek  the  cover 
of  an  underground  resort.  Vibrations  of  light  danced  in 
mid-air,  creating  a  feeling  of  joy  in  the  beholder.  The 
long,  low  bluff  known  as  Bull  Run  Mountains,  with  Thor- 
oughfare Gap  in  the  center,  became  visible  from  elevated 
points;  and  the  dark  patches  of  ground  occupied  by  small 
woods  or  ravines  were  enlivened  by  new  and  more  cheerful 
coloring.  There  was  a  balmy  feeling  in  the  atmosphere, 
and  a  delicious  odor,  as  if  intending  to  induce  rest  and 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  213 

refreshment  on  this  Sabbath  morning ;  and  far  in  the  dis- 
tance were  views  such  as  might  originate  dreams  of  happi- 
ness in  the  breasts  of  the  unfortunate  and  the  hopeful  if 
mankind  had  been  a  little  more  civilized  or  had  studied 
more  extensively  the  benign  lessons  of  Mother  Nature. 

Before  the  door  of  a  cottage  by  the  wayside  between 
Centerville  and  Bull  Run,  a  man  might  be  seen  through 
the  gray  light  of  the  morning,  actively  employed  in  groom- 
ing two  horses,  and  varying  his  labor  by  the  application  of 
accouterments  such  as  were  deemed  suitable  for  stern  service 
in  war.  The  man  wore  a  campaign  hat  jauntily  fitted  to 
the  side  of  his  head;  was  fairly  well  attired,  having  a  white 
linen  stable  frock  over  his  blue  clothes;  and  wore  service- 
able boots  with  the  spurs  of  a  cavalryman,  although,  on 
looking  at  him  more  closely,  one  could  see  that  he  was  no 
other  than  Herondine's  attendant,  Furflew,  the  lifelong 
shuffler  and  ventriloquist — so  much  does  war  change  the 
aspect  of  things  in  human  life. 

Suddenly  the  deep  boom  of  a  cannon  filled  the  quiet 
atmosphere  with  terrific  commotion;  for  there  was  gene- 
rated a  feeling  of  terror  in  all  who  heard  it,  the  air  trem- 
bled, the  earth  felt  insecure,  and  the  combatants  within 
reach  of  the  sound  understood  that  the  battle  had  begun. 
It  was  the  thirty-pounder  rifled  gun  attached  to  Carlisle's 
battery,  and  was  fired  under  the  immediate  supervision  of 
Lieutenant  Haines,  United  States  Artillery,  at  half  past  five 
o'clock  in  the  morning,  as  a  signal  that  General  Tyler,  with 
his  division  of  the  Union  army,  occupied  the  position  as- 
signed him  in  front  of  the  stone  bridge  on  Beauregard's 
left. 

In  an  instant  Herondine  appeared  on  the  scene,  with  a 
serious  expression  on  his  countenance,  but  ready  for  the 


214  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

saddle.  He  had  just  completed  the  breakfast  prepared  for 
him  by  Furflevv  a  short  time  before.  It  may  be  said  in  ex- 
planation of  his  presence  here,  that  he  had  rented  the  cot- 
tage temporarily  from  the  owner,  who  had  been  advised  to 
move  away  to  a  less  exposed  district  until  the  issues  in  the 
present  trouble  were  settled.  They  were  modest  but  com- 
fortable quarters,  and  protected  from  danger  by  hills  al- 
though quite  near  the  stone  bridge  and  the  Gainesville 
road,  along  which  bodies  of  troops  were  marching. 

"We're  in  it  for  sure,"  said  Furflew,  addressing  Heron- 
dine,  as  he  threw  up  his  head  between  the  horses,  whose 
nostrils  were  sniffing  the  troubled  void  as  if  to  ascertain  the 
extent  of  the  commotion. 

Herondine,  pointing  to  the  door,  signified  to  the  man 
that  he  was  to  make  a  hasty  repast,  while  he  would  mount 
and  wait  his  return. 

"  I'll  go  in  to  please  you,"  answered  Furflew,  while  suit- 
ing the  action  to  the  word,  "but  I  could  no  more  eat  on 
this  here  day  than  fly  across  Bull  Run.  That  there  sound 
is  enough  for  me,  and  no  doubt  we'll  get  more  of  the  same 
kind  purty  soon.  I'll  take  a  couple  of  cold  sandwiches 
with  me.  They'll  come  in  handy  before  the  day's  out, 
you  bet,  if  we  don't  git  cold  lead  in  place  of  'em." 

When  the  preparations  for  departure  were  completed  and 
both  men  on  their  horses  faced  the  route  over  which  they 
were  to  travel,  something  of  a  marvelous  nature  arrested 
their  attention.  It  was  a  horseman  at  full  speed  whose 
appearance  and  activity  indicated  that  his  errand  must  be 
of  great  moment.  He  was  coming  on  the  parallel  line  to 
Bull  Run  from  a  southern  direction  toward  the  northwest, 
and  would  presently  pass  Herondine's  headquarters.  Her- 
ondine suspected  he  was  a  courier  from  some  of  the  gener- 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  215 

als  on  the  other  side,  but  wondered  what  his  business  would 
be  at  this  early  hour  and  in  such  a  place. 

"  Look  to  your  pistols,"  he  cried  hastily,  addressing  Fur- 
flew;  and,  reaching  to  his  holsters  for  his  own,  awaited  the 
stranger's  arrival. 

When  only  a  short  distance  from  the  place  where  they 
had  halted,  rider  and  steed  presented  a  splendid  appearance. 
The  man  was  over  the  medium  height,  displaying  great 
strength  and  confidence  in  his  physical  powers.  His  face 
was  a  little  pale  but  enlivened  by  a  manly  expression  in 
which  the  well-formed  features  participated  individually 
and  collectively.  His  brown  hair  clustered  in  thick  curls 
around  his  ears  ;  he  sat  erect  in  the  saddle  like  one  master 
of  the  position;  and  the  will  power  impetuously  urging 
him  forward  seemed  to  communicate  with  the  spirit  of  his 
horse  and  induce  it  to  push  with  a  mad  energy  through  all 
sections  of  the  journey,  whether  easy  of  access  or  danger- 
ous. 

Notwithstanding  his  dress  —  a  gray  suit,  long  boots,  and 
campaign  hat,  such  as  Confederate  officers  wore  —  Heron- 
dine  concluded  he  was  a  Northern  man.  Nay,  he  smiled 
as  he  saw  the  stranger  give  the  sign,  proving  that  he  be- 
longed to  the  secret  service  in  which  Herondine  himself 
was  engaged ;  and  glancing  at  Furflew  he  became  aware 
that  the  individual  mentioned  was  stricken  with  awe,  as  if 
he  had  seen  the  whirlpool  of  Charybdis  swallowing  a  ship 
without  hope  of  rescue. 

"Cap,"  said  Furflew  —  a  term  applied  to  Herondine  on 
the  new  expedition  on  account  of  its  near  approach  to  the 
military —  "  I'll  be  doggoned  if  this  ain't  that  there  young 
smarty  we  met  in  New  York  —  the  clever  one  —  that  Rid- 
dleton  feller,  the  book  eater  and  aunt  fancier.  Oh  !  look 


216  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

at   him,    will  you,  without  winking!    Ain't  he  a  daisy, 
though?" 

It  was  indeed  Rob  Riddleton  grown  strong  and  bold 
through  hard  exercise  and  the  impulses  of  an  active  mind. 
Pulling  up,  he  recognized  Herondine  at  a  glance,  and  the 
two  friends  exchanged  very  cordial  greetings.  Then,  turn- 
ing to  Furflew,  he  shook  him  by  the  hand  until  he  laughed 
in  admiration  of  the  man,  although  the  boom  of  the  thirty- 
pounder  was  again  heard,  and  the  rattle  of  musketry,  show- 
ing that  the  skirmishing  lines  of  both  armies  were  at  work. 
At  a  sign  from  Herondine,  Furflew  fell  back  some  distance 
to  permit  the  unrestrained  conversation  of  the  two  chiefs 
brought  together  under  such  peculiar  circumstances. 

"  At  our  headquarters  in  Washington  I  did  not  hear  of 
you,"  said  Herondine,  "and  therefore  am  somewhat  sur- 
prised at  your  knowledge  of  our  service  (alluding  to  the 
sign  made  by  Rob  Riddleton  at  his  approach)  as  well  as 
that  you  appear  in  a  Confederate  dress." 

"My  rendezvous  is  Saint  Louis,"  answered  Riddleton  ; 
"  besides,  this,"  and  he  pointed  inwardly  to  his  tunic,  "  is 
not  a  whit  more  questionable  than  the  garb  of  Brother 
Fishington,  recently  discarded  by  you." 

"Why,  Riddleton,  you  astonish  me,"  said  Herondine. 
"  I  always  gave  you  credit  for  immense  powers  of  research, 
but  the  knowledge  of  my  method  of  operations  looks  like 
necromancy.  You  ought  to  be  chief." 

Riddleton  smiled  at  the  compliment  tendered  him  by 
his  friend.  He  rode  up  to  Herondine  until  their  horses' 
flanks  touched,  and,  placing  one  of  his  arms  akimbo  as  if 
intending  to  assume  a  nonchalant  air,  said  impressively: 

"  I  play  the  highest  game  on  the  boards.  The  chieftan- 
ship  of  one  side  only  is  a  tame  affair.  The  restrictions  im- 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  217 

posed  on  you,  for  instance,  result  merely  in  half  measures 
of  gain.  I  cannot  tolerate  any  such  bondage  ;  therefore  I 
have  chosen  to  be  two  characters  in  one,  as  coming  nearest 
the  complement  of  my  ambitious  desires." 

The  gravity  of  Herondine's  face  became  deep  and  dark 
as  he  struggled  with  the  thought  uppermost  in   his  mind 
regarding  the  true  character  of  his  new-found  friend. 
"  You  do  not  mean  to  insinuate  that  you  are — " 
As  Herondine  hesitated,  Riddleton  answered  quickly : 
"  Aye,  I  am.     I  scout  for  both  armies.     See  here." 
Dismounting  from  his  horse,  with  a  few  rapid  move- 
ments he  turned  his  tunic  inside  out,  reversed  the  covering 
of  his  pantaloons,  and  lo,  he  returned  to  the  saddle  in  the 
dress  of  an  aid-de-camp  to  a  general  in  the  Federal  army. 
"This  is  beyond  my  comprehension,"  remarked  Heron- 
dine,  when  his  surprise  had  subsided  sufficiently  to  enable 
him  to  speak. 

"In  every  profession  there  are  high  and  low  stages,"  re- 
plied Riddleton.  "  The  part  that  I  play  would  be  impos- 
sible to  others.  I  have  capacity  for  it,  and  therefore  it  is 
as  easy  of  accomplishment  to  me  as  a  boatman  who  dips 
his  oars  in  the  water  unconscious  that  he  is  executing  intri- 
cate movements.  Assuming  a  disguise  and  gathering  in- 
formation of  the  enemy  outside  his  lines  are  meritorious 
enough,  but  going  into  his  camp  and  sounding  the  inten- 
tions of  his  commanders  is  much  better.  This  I  have  done 
even  with  less  risks  than  one  would  imagine.  I  pass 
through  the  Federal  lines  with  as  much  ease  as  the  Confed- 
erate, because  I  have  authority  from  both  commanders.  I 
supply  information  to  both,  and  it  is  evident  each  is  satis- 
fied ;  otherwise  I  would  be  imprisoned  or  ordered  to  dis- 
continue my  visits." 


218  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

"  How  can  you  give  information  of  our  army  to  the 
Confederates  without  being  considered  a  traitor?"  asked 
Herondine. 

"That  depends  upon  its  character,"  replied  his  compan- 
ion. "  Some  information  is  of  no  value ;  therefore  it  could 
be  given  without  detriment  to  the  Union  :  besides,  I  might 
give  a  little  that  was  important  if  by  this  means  I  could 
obtain  a  greater  share  for  the  other  side.  Do  you  under- 
stand? " 

Herondine  smiled  at  the  ingenuity  of  his  friend's  meth- 
ods, while  Riddleton  continued  : 

"  Beauregard  commands  here,"  pointing  towards  the 
south;  "McDowell  there,"  turning  towards  the  north. 
"  They  are  mere  puppets  in  my  hands.  I  hold  the  key  of 
the  situation.  I  can  give  victory  to  whom  I  choose." 

Herondine  looked  up  incredulously;  and,  being  under- 
stood, Riddleton  after  a  short  pause  resumed  : 

"Now,  friend,  there  are  some  secrets  never  told  to  the 
public ;  the  one  I  am  going  to  communicate  to  you  is  of 
such  a  character.  You  will  see  that  its  importance  and  my 
high  estimate  of  your  friendship  will  guarantee  its  safety 
with  you."  Riddleton  drew  from  his  pocket  a  paper,  and, 
handing  it  to  Herondine,  said,  "Read." 

It  was  a  dispatch  from  General  Beauregard  to  General 
Ewell,  who  commanded  his  right  wing  at  Union  Mills,  as 
before  stated,  directing  him  to  march  on  Centerville  and 
attack  McDowell's  reserves. 

"What  have  you  done?"  inquired  Herondine. 

"The  delivery  or  the  withdrawal  of  this  dispatch  will 
change  the  whole  character  of  the  battle,"  returned  Rid- 
dleton. "  I  have  kept  it  back  so  as  to  subserve  my  purposes. 
I  consider  it  a  legitimate  way  of  making  a  fortune  for  my- 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  219 

self,  seeing  the  danger  that  surrounds  me  and  the  necessity 
there  exists  of  providing  for  the  future.  I  am  not  playing 
this  game  for  Beauregard  or  McDowell,  South  or  North ;  I 
am  playing  it  for  myself.  I  have  bet  my  pile — about  ten 
thousand  dollars  —  against  the  united  sum  of  a  club  of  ten 
Southern  gentlemen  that  I  would  win  this  battle  for  the 
South.  Of  course,  it  is  another  way  of  offering  me  reward 
for  important  services;  and  each  one  of  these  persons  will  be 
enriched  from  other  sources  by  the  transaction,  anyway." 

"  Surely,"  remarked  Herondine  solemnly,  "this  is  trea- 
son inexcusable." 

"  Oh,  no  !  "  answered  his  friend  pleasantly.  "  You  see, 
I  am  guided  entirely  by  my  own  judgment.  I  have  an  in- 
sight into  things.  I  disobey  Beauregard's  commands  by 
not  delivering  his  dispatch  to  General  Ewell.  This  fact 
will  be  sufficient  to  prove  to  McDowell  that  I  have  oper- 
ated in  the  interests  of  the  North  and  satisfy  him  fully 
of  my  genuine  character  as  his  secret  agent.  But,  mark 
you,  my  own  opinion  is,  if  Ewell  marched  on  Centerville 
the  South  would  lose  the  fight,  because  it  would  bring 
McDowell's  entire  army  into  action,  in  which  case  the  issue 
must  be  very  uncertain  if  not  disastrous  to  the  Confeder- 
acy ;  therefore  I  will  be  excused  in  the  eyes  of  Beauregard. 
I  deserve  something  for  this  foresight,  and  I  am  going  to 
get  it.  By  keeping  Beauregard  and  his  united  army  on  the 
south  side  of  Bull  Run,  and  half  of  McDowell's  forces  at 
Centerville  and  beyond  it  out  of  supporting  distance  on 
the  day  of  action,  it  is  easy  to  foresee  the  result.  The 
beauty  and  strangeness  of  such  maneuvering  of  mine  is 
this :  by  operating  against  both  sides  to  their  detriment  I 
win  their  favor  and  a  fortune  for  myself  outside  their  juris- 
diction or  knowledge.  This  is  what  I  call  being  smart." 


220  AV  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

"  Well,"  said  Herondine*  "  you  are  a  remarkable  man  ; 
but,  for  my  part,  I  could  never  resort  to  such  plans,  be- 
cause I  would  be  loath  to  execute  them." 

Without  intimating  what  his  future  course  or  speculations 
would  be,  Rob  Riddleton  resumed  his  wild  ride  over  the 
country,  leaving  Herondine  and  Furflew  to  pursue  their 
way  at  pleasure. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

THE   CARRIER   PIGEON    FALLS.       THE   BATTLEFIELD. 

HERONDINE,  meditating  profoundly  on  the  strange 
career  of  Rob  Riddleton,  urged  his  horse  forward 
towards  the  extremity  of  the  elevated  ground  surrounding 
his  quarters,  from  which  he  could  observe  the  further 
progress  of  the  battle  and  determine  on  the  character  of 
his  individual  duties  for  the  day.  Nothing  appeared  to 
occupy  the  early  hours  of  the  morning  but  the  booming  of 
the  great  gun  before  mentioned  and  the  action  of  the 
skirmishers.  On  reaching  the  highest  point  available  in 
the  vicinity  of  his  route,  he  could  account  for  these  pecul- 
iarities. The  great  contest  of  the  day  had  not  yet  begun. 
The  range  for  the  Confederate  batteries  in  the  neighbor- 
hood of  the  stone  bridge,  and,  indeed,  for  those  of  the 
Federals  also,  was  too  long,  excepting  the  thirty-pounder 
Parrott,  which  was  on  a  hill,  and  fired  over  the  heads  of 
the  skirmishers  on  duty  nearer  the  enemy's  line. 

He  could  easily  observe,  also,  the  long  lines  of  troops 
on  the  flank  movement  contemplated  by  McDowell  direct- 
ing their  course  westerly  so  as  to  overlap  Beauregard's  left. 
These  columns  consisted  of  the  divisions  of  Hunter  and 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  221 

Heintzclman,  and  in  all  numbered  about  thirteen  thousand 
men.  Hunter's  division  consisted  of  Porter's  brigade  of 
three  New  York  regiments,  to  which  also  were  attached  a 
battalion  of  United  States  infantry  commanded  by  Major 
Sykes,  a  battalion  of  United  States  cavalry  commanded  by 
Major  Palmer,  a  battalion  of  United  States  marines  led  by 
Major  Reynolds,  and  Battery  D  of  the  Fifth  United  States 
Artillery  under  Captain  Charles  Griffin,  and  Burnside's 
brigade  of  four  regiments,  one  being  from  New  Hampshire, 
two  Rhode  Island,  and  the  Seventy-first  New  York,  with 
two  howitzers  and  a  battery  of  artillery,  the  latter  being 
the  Rhode  Island. 

Heintzelman's  division  contained  three  brigades  — 
Franklin's,  Wilcox's,  and  Howard's.  Franklin's  brigade 
contained  two  Massachusetts  regiments  and  one  from  Min- 
nesota, besides  having  attached  to  it  Battery  I,  First  United 
States  Artillery,  commanded  by  Captain  J.  B.  Ricketts. 
Wilcox's  brigade  was  made  up  of  two  New  York  regiments 
and  two  Michigan  regiments,  and  had  attached  to  it  Bat- 
tery D,  Second  United  States  Artillery,  commanded  by 
Captain  Richard  Arnold.  Howard's  brigade  contained 
three  Maine  regiments  and  one  from  Vermont.  Two 
divisions  were  held  in  reserve  —  Runyon's,  aggregating 
about  six  thousand  men,  eight  miles  distant,  and  Miles's, 
with  a  like  number,  at  Centerville,  three  miles  distant. 

Pointing  in  the  direction  taken  by  the  troops  of  the 
flanking  column,  Herondine  remarked  to  Furflew  : 

"  We  follow  where  these  lead.  The  commanding  gen- 
eral will  be  found  there,  for  to  a  certainty  the  row  will  be 
settled  near  that  point." 

Furflew,  shading  his  eyes  with  his  hand  so  as  to  get  a 
clearer  view  of  the  situation,  replied  meditatively: 


222  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

"Trick  of  the  loop  had  its  terrors,  like  everything 
risky,  but  you  bet  it  was  a  sight  more  comfortable  than 
this  here  job  any  way  you  take  it." 

The  skirmishing  near  the  stone  bridge  was  participated 
in  by  five  companies  from  the  First  and  Second  Ohio 
regiments,  of  Schenck's  brigade,  Northern  troops,  against 
two  companies  of  the  Fourth  South  Carolina  Volunteers 
and  one  company  of  Wheat's  special  battalion,  Southern 
troops.  After  an  hour's  engagement  it  became  apparent 
to  Evans,  who  directed  the  action  on  the  Confederate 
side,  that  the  Federals  did  not  intend  to  cross  Bull  Run 
at  that  place,  but  merely  instituted  a  feint  so  as  to  gain 
time  to  execute  a  greater  undertaking  elsewhere.  As  he 
could  detect  the  columns  on  the  opposite  side  of  the 
stream  advancing  to  position,  he  consulted  his  superior 
officer,  Colonel  P.  St.  George  Cocke,  commanding  in  his 
immediate  neighborhood,  when  it  was  determined  to  form 
a  new  line  of  battle  to  oppose  the  incoming  section  of 
McDowell's  army.  On  this  understanding  Colonel  Evans 
withdrew  his  troops  from  the  stone  bridge,  leaving  four 
companies  to  defend  it,  and  pushed  his  command  westward 
across  the  valley  of  Young's  Branch,  a  stream  running  into 
Bull  Run,  and  seized  the  high  ground  beyond  as  the  most 
suitable  position  to  await  the  coming  of  the  enemy,  who 
wheeled  to  the  left  at  Sudley  Ford,  three  miles  above  the 
stone  bridge,  and  marched  directly  to  meet  the  foe. 

Evans's  new  line  consisted  of  six  companies  of  Sloan's 
Fourth  South  Carolina,  Wheat's  special  battalion  of  Louis- 
iana volunteers,  Terry's  squadron  of  cavalry,  and  David- 
son's second  section  of  Latham's  battery  of  artillery,  four 
six-pounder  guns,  and  a  company  of  cavalry  attached  — 
the  Campbell  Rangers,  commanded  by  Captain  J.  D. 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  223 

Alexander.  The  left  of  the  line  rested  on  the  Sudley 
road ;  and  the  line  itself  extended  through  a  small  wood, 
affording  cover  for  the  troops,  and  commanded  a  good 
view  of  the  open  ground  as  well  as  the  road  along  which 
the  Federals  were  approaching.  The  artillery  supported 
the  right,  and  the  cavalry  the  left. 

Small  as  this  front  appeared,  there  was  a  large  number 
of  troops  available  to  reinforce  it.  During  the  previous 
day  and  night  Johnston's  Army  of  the  Shenandoah  came 
in,  and  its  commander,  General  Joseph  E.  Johnston, 
assumed  command  of  the  entire  field,  while  General  Beau- 
regard  superintended  the  battle.  Johnston's  troops  con- 
sisted of  four  brigades — Jackson's,  Bartow's,  Bee's,  and 
Smith's  —  five  batteries  of  artillery,  and  Colonel  J.  E.  B. 
Stuart's  command  of  cavalry.  The  whole  of  these  troops 
covered  and  supported  Beauregard's  left,  Bee  and  Bartow 
on  high  ground  in  view  of  Evans's  line  of  battle,  Jackson 
near  Longstreet  at  Blackburn's  Ford,  but  ordered  to  the 
left  at  an  early  hour.  Smith's  brigade  came  up  in  the 
afternoon.  Stuart's  cavalry  stood  between  Bonham's  left 
and  Cocke's  right ;  Imboden's  battery  of  artillery  unlim- 
bered  about  one  hundred  yards  northeast  of  the  Henry 
house  on  a  plateau  overlooking  the  battlefield ;  and  the 
Hampton  Legion,  six  companies  of  infantry  six  hundred 
strong  commanded  by  Colonel  Wade  Hampton,  stood  in 
the  vicinity  of  the  Lewis  house  to  support  any  troops  en- 
gaged there.  There  were  also  some  independent  troops  in 
the  same  neighborhood. 

All  these  troops  could  easily  be  reinforced  by  others 
stationed  along  Beauregard's  line  on  Bull  Run.  Cocke, 
besides  the  five  Virginia  regiments  of  his  brigade,  was  still 
further  supported  by  a  battery  of  artillery  and  one  company 


224  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

of  Virginia  cavalry.  Bonham,  at  Mitchell's  Ford,  had  a 
full  brigade  of  five  regiments,  one  being  North  Carolina 
and  four  South  Carolina,  supported  by  two  batteries  of 
artillery  and  six  companies  of  Virginia  cavalry  commanded 
by  Colonel  Radford.  Longstreet's  brigade  at  Blackburn's 
Ford  contained  three  Virginia  regiments  and  one  North 
Carolina,  supported  by  two  six-pounder  brass  guns  from 
Walton's  battery.  Jones's  brigade,  at  McLean's  Ford, 
contained  two  Mississippi  regiments  and  one  South  Caro- 
lina, supported  by  two  six-pounder  guns  and  a  company  of 
cavalry,  and  still  further  supported  by  Colonel  J.  A. 
Early's  brigade  of  four  regiments  —  two  Virginia  regi- 
ments, one  Louisiana,  and  one  Mississippi  —  besides  three 
rifled  pieces  of  cannon  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Squires. 
At  Union  Mills,  E well's  brigade  contained  two  Alabama 
regiments  and  one  Louisiana,  supported  by  four  twelve- 
pounder  howitzers  of  Walton's  battery  and  three  companies 
of  Virginia  cavalry.  These  troops  were  still  further  sup- 
ported by  the  command  of  General  T.  H.  Holmes,  includ- 
ing one  Tennessee  regiment,  one  Arkansas,  and  Walker's 
battery  of  artillery. 

The  elevated  position  occupied  by  Evans  while  awaiting 
the  Federal  advance  was  called  the  Matthew's  hill.  It  was 
here  the  battle  began. 

Burnside's  brigade,  being  in  the  van  of  the  Federal  col- 
umn, came  into  action  single-handed  about  fifteen  minutes 
before  ten  o'clock,  with  the  division  commander,  Hunter, 
at  its  head,  under  whose  orders  the  Second  Rhode  Island 
Regiment,  Slocum's,  threw  out  skirmishers  on  the  flanks 
and  in  front.  These  gallant  men,  bristling  with  energy, 
broke  into  view  of  the  Confederate  line  of  battle  like 
a  party  of  pleasure  seekers  on  a  holiday,  changing  the 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  225 

quiet  aspect  of  the  landscape  to  one  of  intense  interest. 
They  fired  to  clear  the  copse  in  front  and  received  a  fire  in 
return  from  Wheat's  "  Louisiana  Tigers,"  also  skirmishers. 
The  balance  of  the  Rhode  Island  regiment^  advancing  in 
line  of  battle,  supported  by  its  battery  of  six  guns,  was  met 
by  the  companies  of  the  South  Carolina  regiment  under 
cover  of  a  thicket,  who  poured  volleys  of  musketry  into 
their  lines,  to  which  were  added  grape  shot  from  the  how- 
itzers near  their  position.  In  this  action  General  Hunter 
was  wounded  and  carried  from  the  field,  as  was  also  Major 
Wheat,  who  commanded  the  Louisiana  volunteers  on  the 
Confederate  side. 

The  Federals  were  driven  back  on  the  main  body  of  the 
brigade,  which  soon  renewed  the  contest.  Their  advance 
was  checked,  however,  but  they  fought  under  cover  of  the 
woods  in  front  of  Evans's  line  fully  an  hour,  during  which 
time  Porter's  brigade  came  up  to  their  assistance. 

Gradually  the  limits  of  the  battle  widened,  like  the 
increase  in  the  velocity  of  a  great  storm.  There  were  heard 
the  quick  succession  of  infantry  rifle  discharges,  or  to- 
gether, making  one  loud  report;  the  ominous  hum  of 
leaden  bullets  in  the  air,  making  even  brave  men  tremble ; 
the  sonorous  sounds  of  the  heavy  guns ;  and  occasion- 
ally the  cheers  of  some  of  the  contestants,  as  if  they 
were  engaged  at  a  game  of  football.  Detached  clouds  of 
smoke  arose  from  the  field  through  the  dust,  dragging 
themselves  heavily  across  the  irregular  plain  and  filling 
the  gulches  with  their  noisome  presence.  Men  fell  never 
to  pise ;  comrade  deserted  comrade  in  the  excitement  of 
the  moment ;  and  friend  was  severed  from  friend  to 
share  the  honors  of  the  battlefield  with  the  living  or  the 
dead. 


226  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

The  Rhode  Island  battery  of  the  Federals,  first  in  action, 
did  very  efficient  service.  The  howitzers  of  the  Seventy- 
first  New  York  rendered  valuable  assistance ;  and  Griffin's 
celebrated  battery,  coming  up  at  a  gallop,  soon  became  a 
conspicuous  object  in  the  fight. 

Notwithstanding  the  fine  display  of  courage  and  endur- 
ance exhibited  by  the  Confederate  front,  Evans,  its  com- 
mander, found  it  necessary  to  ask  for  reinforcements.  His 
request  was  made  to  General  Bee,  whose  brigade,  as  here- 
tofore stated,  together  with  the  brigade  of  Bartow,  stood 
on  high  ground  some  distance  back  of  him.  General  Bee 
recommended  that  Evans's  command  retreat  to  the  line 
occupied  by  him;  but  Evans,  feeling  he  had  gained  a 
decided  success  in  his  own  position,  was  unwilling  to  order 
a  retreat.  General  Bee  therefore  led  the  two  brigades 
across  the  intervening  ground  and  threw  them  into  action 
—  two  Georgia  regiments  in  Bartow's  brigade  and  four 
regiments  (one  Alabama,  two  Mississippi,  and  one  North 
Carolina),  in  General  Bee's  brigade.  There  were  only 
two  companies  in  one  of  the  Mississippi  regiments. 

These  new  troops  lengthened  the  line  of  battle  and  gave 
renewed  hope  to  the  Confederates;  but  on  the  Federal 
side  two  of  the  brigades  of  Heintzelman's  division,  hurried 
forward  by  special  orders,  met  the  new  condition  with 
equal  courage  and  equal  hope.  The  third  brigade,  How- 
ard's, had  been  assigned  to  duty  by  McDowell  in  the 
morning  on  the  other  side  of  Bull  Run. 

When  Franklin's  brigade  came  up,  Ricketts's  battery  went 
into  action  with  a  vigor  that  carried  terror  to  the  enemy 
and  made  for  itself  a  record  that  will  live  long  in  history. 
The  united  forces  of  the  flanking  brigades  broke  the  Con- 
federate line,  which  began  slowly  to  retire  across  the  vallry 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  227 

of  Young's  Branch,  when,  as  if  to  complete  their  discom- 
fiture, the  brigade  of  W.  T.  Sherman,  afterwards  the  dis- 
tinguished general,  joined  the  Federal  left  and  with  its  new 
associate  forces  drove  Evans's  famous  line  with  its  reinforce- 
ments and  supports  precipitately  off  the  ground  as  if  a 
a  thunderbolt  had  stricken  it. 

Sherman's  brigade  was  composed  of  the  Thirteenth, 
Sixty-ninth,  and  Seventy-ninth  New  York,  and  the  Second 
Wisconsin,  regiments,  supported  by  Battery  E  of  the  Third 
United  States  Artillery,  under  the  command  of  Captain 
R.  B.  Ayres.  It  was  one  of  General  Dan  Tyler's  divi- 
sion, which  was  supposed  to  force  the  passage  of  the  stone 
bridge  at  a  favorable  period  of  the  battle  and  join  the 
other  forces  of  McDowell  on  the  field.  The  three  remain- 
ing brigades  of  the  division  did  not  actively  participate  in 
the  fight.  Richardson's  watched  the  enemy  in  front  of 
Blackburn's  Ford;  Schenck's  also  guarded  the  position 
held  by  it  in  the  early  morning ;  Keyes's  brigade  followed 
Sherman  across  Bull  Run,  but  remained  partly  inactive 
under  cover  of  a  bluff. 

The  retreat  ot  the  Confederates  caused  a  lull  in  the 
battle.  The  Hampton  Legion  was  thrown  into  action  on 
the  Southern  side,  and  partly  saved  the  retreating  troops 
from  panic  although  suffering  severe  losses  on  its  own  ac- 
count. The  ground  over  which  the  retreat  was  conducted 
consisted  of  the  valley  of  Young's  Branch,  then  crossed  the 
Gainesville  road,  or  Warrenton  turnpike,  in  a  southern  di- 
rection and  came  in  upon  a  plateau  similar  to  the  one  just 
evacuated.  This  new  position  was  picturesque.  It  was 
dotted  with  clumps  of  trees,  interesting  glades,  and  long 
stretches  of  open  ground  flanked  by  dense  woods  of  pine 
and  oak. 


228  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

On  the  northeastern  corner  of  this  elevated  ground  stood 
the  Robinson  house,  the  residence  of  a  free  colored  man, 
and  about  seven  hundred  yards  to  the  southwest  was  the 
home  of  Mrs.  Judith  Henry.  The  Warrenton  turnpike  ran  in 
front  of  the  Robinson  house;  and  the  Sudley  road,  coming 
from  a  northerly  direction,  crossed  the  Warrenton  at  right 
angles  and  pursued  its  direction  south  in  front  of  the  Henry 
house.  Southeast  by  east  of  these  houses  was  situated  a  dense 
wood  of  pines,  and  it  was  here  in  this  friendly  shelter  that 
the  new  line  of  battle  of  the  Confederates  took  shape. 

The  man  who  began  the  foundation  of  this  line  at  a  time 
when  the  utmost  confusion  prevailed  was  cool  and  stern  in 
aspect.  His  words  were  heard  above  the  uproar.  Quick 
in  his  movements,  resolute  in  command,  fearless  in  de- 
meanor, every  sign  he  executed  was  viewed  with  admiration 
and  confidence  as  if  it  possessed  the  power  of  a  whirlwind. 
In  imitation  of  him  his  men  fell  into  line  and  stood  like 
pillars  of  rock  across  a  public  highway.  He  said  to  those 
who  were  retreating,  "  Form  behind  me.  The  enemy 
won't  pass  here!"  In  explanation  of  the  intrepidity  of 
this  awe-inspiring  soldier,  his  name  went  from  mouth  to 
mouth.  It  was  Stone"wall  Jackson  !  Even  in  that  very 
hour  he  received  the  sobriquet  of  "Stonewall."  General 
Bee,  while  rallying  his  troops  behind  the  Robinson  house, 
cried  out :  "  Look  at  Jackson's  brigade.  It  stands  there 
like  a  stone  wall !  "  From  the  brigade  the  name  reverted 
to  its  commander. 

Jackson's  brigade  contained  five  regiments  of  Virginians. 
Like  their  commander  they  were  soldiers  of  the  first  class. 
On  the  present  occasion  their  example  was  far-reaching  in 
its  effects  on  the  disorganized  troops  just  then  breaking 
away  from  the  front. 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  229 

Generals  Johnston  and  Beauregard  arrived  on  the  scene 
to  witness  these  varying  phases  of  war.  Beauregard,  with 
characteristic  foresight,  directed  the  standards  of  the  con- 
fused regiments  to  be  placed  in  position  and  then  by  a 
united  effort  had  the  men  rally  upon  them.  This  method 
proved  successful.  Order  was  restored.  The  strengthen- 
ing of  the  front  was  then  resumed.  Jackson's  brigade  was 
the  rallying  point.  The  Seventh  Georgia  stood  to  the  left 
of  it ;  the  Hampton  Legion  to  the  right.  Two  Virginia 
regiments  from  Cocke's  brigade  took  similar  position,  one 
on  the  right,  the  other  on  the  left.  In  a  very  short  time 
the  available  forces  in  this  formation  amounted  to  six  thou- 
sand five  hundred  men  and  thirteen  pieces  of  artillery,  with 
large  numbers  under  orders  to  join  it  or  in  motion  for  the 
battlefield  from  distant  points  of  Beauregard's  lines. 

On  the  other  hand,  the  Federals  advanced  to  the  attack 
with  the  brigades  of  Franklin,  Wilcox,  Sherman,  and  Por- 
ter, Palmer's  battalion  of  cavalry,  and  Ricketts's  and  Grif- 
fin's batteries  of  artillery,  in  all  estimated  to  contain  about 
eleven  thousand  men.  Burnside's  brigade  retired  to  recu- 
perate, with  McDowell's  permission.  Although  wearied  from 
long  marching,  having  been  under  arms  since  midnight, 
the  troops  came  up  to  the  front  in  gallant  style,  breaking 
in  over  the  plateau  around  its  edge  from  the  Robinson  to 
the  Henry  house,  Griffin's  and  Ricketts's  batteries  taking 
position  near  the  latter  and  opening  fire  on  the  enemy 
without  delay.  These  batteries  were  supported  by  the 
Eleventh  New  York  Fire  Zouaves  and  the  Fourteenth  Brook- 
lyn, besides  a  squadron  of  the  First  United  States  Cavalry 
under  Captain  Colburn. 

The  Confederate  front  was  supported  by  five  batteries  of 
artillery  —  Imboden's,  Stanard's,  Walton's,  Pendleton's, 


230  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

and  Alburtes's  —  whose  fire  raked  the  entire  surface  of  the 
battlefield,  while  the  bullets  from  the  rifles  on  both  sides 
filled  the  atmosphere  with  messengers  of  death.  McDowell, 
the  Northern  commander,  viewed  the  action  from  the 
Henry  house,  while  Beauregard,  his  opponent,  rode  along 
the  Southern  lines  encouraging  his  troops  to  renewed  acts 
of  bravery.  The  firing  from  right  to  left  was  continuous 
for  at  least  two  hours,  the  Confederate  left  and  the  Federal 
right  suffering  very  heavily. 

Beauregard  further  strengthened  this  position  by  addi- 
tional troops,  including  the  Second  Mississippi  and  Stuart's 
cavalry,  two  companies  of  which  dashed  through  the  New 
York  zouaves  with  a  loss  of  five  men.  Then  an  incident 
occurred  which  went  far  in  deciding  the  fortunes  of  the  day.- 

Beauregard,  fearing  that  any  fresh  troops  coming  to  the 
aid  of  the  enemy  would  force  his  position,  determined  to 
become  the  aggressor.  He  ordered  his  whole  line  to  ad- 
vance and  drive  the  enemy  off  the  plateau.  Fisher's  Sixth 
North  Carolina  Regiment,  advancing  through  the  woods 
on  Griffin's  right,  had  just  come  up,  and  with  the  other 
troops  on  the  Confederate  left  attacked  the  regiments 
supporting  the  Griffin  and  Ricketts  batteries,  driving  them 
from  their  position  into  the  valley  beyond.  Still  Griffin 
and  Ricketts  stood  their  ground,  pouring  on  their  enemies 
shot,  shell,  and  canister  with  the  persistence  of  a  hail- 
storm. Even  when  their  supports  refused  to  return,  these 
gallant  men  were  seen  working  their  batteries  without  a 
moment's  intermission,  grim  with  the  smoke  of  battle  and 
feeling  instinctively  that  the  honor  of  the  Federal  cause  — 
for  that  day,  at  least  —  rested  on  their  shoulders.  Glory 
to  their  memory !  They  held  it  until  overpowered  by 
numbers. 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  231 

The  action  of  the  Confederate  left  was  very  decisive. 
It  could  easily  be  seen  that  the  vigor  characteristic  of  fresh 
troops  was  there  ;  besides,  these  troops  were  afforded  shelter 
until  coming  quite  near  the  Federal  position.  This  en- 
abled them  to  wholly  disable  the  batteries.  The  cannon- 
eers were  killed,  the  horses  disabled,  and  the  firing  silenced. 
Captain  Ricketts  lay  on  the  field  severely  wounded,  and 
was  soon  made  prisoner ;  Lieutenant  Ramsey,  of  his  bat- 
tery, was  killed ;  and  a  .few  escaped.  The  Confederates 
rushed  forward  and  captured  the  guns.  It  then  became 
apparent  that  the  Federals  would  lose  the  battle. 

It  was  about  this  time,  when  great  confusion  prevailed 
on  the  Federal  side  in  the  vicinity  of  the  action  just 
related,  when  aids-de-camp  had  been  completely  exhausted 
on  account  of  field  service  and  could  no  longer  be  found 
in  their  regular  places,  that  two  troopers  crossed  the  valley 
on  the  north  side  of  the  bluff  occupied  by  the  Union  army, 
directing  their  course  toward  a  group  of  general  officers, 
among  whom  was  McDowell.  The  troopers  in  question 
appeared  fresh,  and  thus  invited  attention  as  being  capable 
of  affording  relief  in  the  present  emergency,  small  as  it 
might  be  reckoned.  The  foremost  of  these  men,  alighting 
in  front  of  the  commanding  officer,  revealed  the  nature  of 
his  mission  in  a  few  rapid  words.  He  had  come  to  offer 
his  services  at  a  critical  moment.  He  was  an  emergency 
aid  of  the  secret  service — Herondine.  McDowell,  recog- 
nizing the  importance  of  the  provision  here  tendered  him, 
wrote  a  dispatch  on  the  leaf  of  a  notebook,  and,  handing 
it  to  Herondine,  instructed  him  how  to  proceed  so  as  to 
secure  its  delivery.  It  was  an  order  for  some  of  the  troops 
on  the  other  side  of  Bull  Run  to  move  up  without  delay. 
Mounting  his  horse  and  making  a  motion  to  his  attendant, 


232  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

who  was  no  other  than  Furflew,  to  follow  him,  he  dashed 
off  at  mad  speed,  exciting  the  admiration  of  those  present 
by  the  ease  with  which  he  held  his  seat  and  the  swiftness  of 
his  career.  There  was  no  doubt  now  as  to  the  certainty  of 
his  future  fame  or  the  character  of  his  patriotism.  He  was 
now  as  much  in  line  of  danger  as  a  regiment  in  front  of 
the  enemy. 

The  route  he  pursued  inclined  northeast  by  east  —  a 
dangerous  one,  because  the  Confederates  were  close  upon 
it,  some  of  them  having  pushed  beyond  their  original  lines 
so  as  to  prevent  counter  movements  of  their  enemy.  He 
had  traveled  fully  half  an  hour  outside  the  Federal  lines 
and  was  beginning  to  imagine  he  would  reach  his  destina- 
tion without  accident,  when  he  rode  into  a  strip  of  open 
ground  surrounded  by  a  wood.  When  about  halfway 
across  this  glade  he  turned  in  his  saddle  in  order  to  ascer- 
tain how  Furflew  was  progressing ;  but  instead  of  detecting 
the  presence  of  his  attendant  he  saw  five  or  six  men  sud- 
denly emerge  from  the  wood  and  level  their  pieces  at  him, 
and  the  next  instant  he  found  himself  rolling  in  the  dust 
and  his  horse  struggling  beside  him  as  if  in  the  throes  of 
death.  Before  he  could  regain  his  feet,  the  men  were  upon 
him ;  and  one  of  them,  presenting  a  pistol  to  his  breast, 
cried  out  hoarsely  : 

"  Surrender,  or  you're  a  dead  man  !  " 

Then  they  proceeded  to  search  him  without  much  cere- 
mony ;  and,  finding  the  dispatch,  which  had  been  con- 
cealed in  his  watch,  appeared  to  regard  'the  capture  and 
discovery  as  something  of  great  importance,  for  the  missive 
was  carried  immediately  to  some  person  on  the  edge  of  the 
wood,  awaiting  developments,  who  appeared  to  be  in 
command  of  the  party. 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  233 

This  character  proved  to  be  a  repulsive-looking  man, 
with  heavy  features,  large  body,  one  shoulder  being  higher 
than  its  fellow;  and  was  mounted  on  a  splendid-looking 
horse.  As  the  message  taken  from  Herondine  was  handed 
to  him,  he  exclaimed  : 

"  Another  carrier  pigeon  caught  !  Good  luck  !  Three 
today." 

It  appeared  evident  this  party  of  Confederates,  for  such 
the  men  proved  to  be,  had  been  detailed  for  the  special 
duty  of  apprehending  couriers  bearing  dispatches,  so  as  to 
prevent  the  orders  of  the  commanding  general  from 
reaching  their  destination,  and  therefore  proving  ineffect- 
ive. Such  contemptible  methods  always  accompany  war 
and  are  accounted  legitimate. 

One  of  the  men,  approaching  the  leader,  said  in  an  under- 
tone : 

"  Come  and  see  our  prisoner ;  he's  a  fancy  duck." 

At  this  the  horseman  galloped  forward  saying,  "  I  knew 
him  a  mile  off,"  and  in  a  few  moments  confronted  Heron- 
dine,  who,  unhurt,  was  standing  near  his  dead  horse  with 
his  arms  shackled  behind  his  back. 

From  the  look  of  commisseration  which  the  features  of 
Herondine  bore  for  the  noble  animal  that  had  carried  him 
so  faithfully  during  his  recent  career,  there  appeared,  on 
viewing  the  stranger,  one  of  dark  scorn  and  defiance  such 
as  might  be  judged  incompatible  with  his  character  as 
already  known  to  the  reader.  On  the  other  hand,  it  was 
observed  that  the  natural  scowl  on  the  horseman's  face 
brightened  up  with  a  species  of  savage  joy  on  beholding 
Herondine,  and  he  would  have  laughed  in  derision  at  his 
predicament  had  not  some  powerful  emotion  stopped  him. 
Nay,  he  went  still  further :  twice  he  drew  his  pistol  from 


234  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

its  belt  as  if  about  to  shoot  Herondine,  but  as  often  did  he 
return  it  to  its  case,  deterred  from  the  execution  of  the 
first  impulse  by  some  plan  designed  to  bring  about  a  future 
result  more  in  harmony  with  his  desires. 

As  for  Herondine,  all  the  strength  of  his  manhood  was 
required  to  sustain  him  in  this  dark  hour;  for  it  was  not 
alone  that  he  felt  the  danger  and  hardship  of  being  a  pris- 
oner in  the  hands  of  the  Confederates,  but  he -saw  he  was 
at  last  at  the  mercy  of  his  worst  enemy  here  in  command 
—  Danderton  Hitch  ! 

After  recognition,  Danderton  did  not  remain  in  the 
presence  of  Herondine.  He  turned  and  rode  to  his  orig- 
inal position  in  the  wood,  from  which  point  he  issued  his 
orders.  In  regard  to  Herondine  these  were  of  the  most 
exacting  kind.  He  said  to  the  men  of  the  party : 

"  Bind  his  shackles.  Run  a  chain  from  the  hands  to  the 

feet.  Mind,  he  must  not  escape.  By  h !  the  man 

who  lets  him  off  will  die  by  my  hand  as  soon  as  I  come  up 
with  him.  I'll  take  no  excuses.  If  he  attempts  to  run, 
shoot  him.  If  he  becomes  violent,  use  your  sword-knives. 
Should  he  be  abusive,  knock  him  over  with  a  club." 

Danderton  further  instructed  them  to  prepare  for  a  move- 
ment to  the  rear  of  the  Confederate  army  and  afterward 
home  to  Richmond,  where  the  necessities  of  the  service 
required  their  presence.  He  would  communicate  with  his 
chief  in  the  field  and  join  them  on  the  journey.  In  a  few 
minutes  after  these  orders  had  been  given,  the  entire  party 
was  in  motion,  Herondine  having  been  accommodated  with 
a  seat  in  a  baggage  wagon  closely  guarded  by  two  men. 
In  this  situation  his  thoughts  reverted  to  home  first  and 
afterward  to  the  uncertainties  of  his  profession  ;  for  he  had 
no  doubt  his  usefulness,  from  a  Northern  standpoint,  was 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  235 

now  at  an  end,  and,  judging  from  the  character  of  his  ene- 
my, his  life  was  also  in  danger. 

As  the  cumbersome  conveyance  rolled  over  the  uneven 
trail,  he  could  yet  hear  the  ominous  sounds  peculiar  to  the 
battlefield  and  the  united  roar  of  wagons  in  motion  arising 
from  the  plain  like  the  moaning  of  the  sea  or  the  passage 
of  a  great  storm  through  the  atmosphere.  Later,  while  a 
troop  of  cavalry  was  dashing  past  them,  Herondine  heard 
the  following  inquiry  and  reply  : 

"How  is  it?" 

"We've  whipped  'em." 

Then  he  knew  his  party  had  been  defeated  and  anything 
like  the  capture  of  Washington  or  the  permanent  establish- 
ment of  the  Confederacy  might  transpire  in  short  order. 
From  these  considerations,  it  may  be  inferred,  his  thoughts 
grew  troubled  as  the  shades  of  evening  approached ;  and  if 
he  did  not  afterwards  sleep,  it  was  because  they  became  as 
deep  and  profound  as  the  surrounding  night. 

But  to  return  to  other  incidents  of  that  fatal  day.  Fur- 
flew  had  labored  hard  to  follow  Herondine,  as  he  was  not 
a  first-class  rider  and  possessed  little  of  the  bold  spirit 
which  animated  the  breast  of  his  chief.  At  the  time  when 
the  latter  disappeared  in  the  wood  Furflew  was  fully  half  a 
mile  behind.  Then  he  heard  the  rattle  of  the  shooting 
which  unhorsed  Herondine,  and  saw  the  blue  smoke  arise 
above  the  trees.  Suspecting  the  presence  of  an  ambuscade, 
he  slackened  the  pace  of  his  horse  and  approached  the 
opening  in  the  wood  cautiously.  What  he  witnessed  con- 
firmed his  worst  fears.  Herondine  was  there  bound  in 
chains,  his  horse  dead,  and  his  career  ended.  Nay,  before 
he  could  recover  from  his  surprise,  the  dust  caused  by  the 
departure  of  the  party  obscured  the  clear  atmosphere  of 


236  IN   THE  DEPTHS  OF 

the  place,  and  in  another  instant  all  had  disappeared. 
Furflew,  in  order  to  exhibit  a  commendable  courage  in  a 
trying  emergency,  raised  the  carbine  at  his  side  as  if  about 
to  fire,  but  desisted,  as  there  was  no  enemy  in  sight.  In- 
deed, he  believed  it  prudent  to  keep  quiet  on  the  occasion, 
lest  he  might  draw  the  Confederates  after  him,  for  he  had 
turned  his  charger  round  and  was  retreating  in  good  order. 
He  reasoned  with  himself  it  would  be  wiser  to  report  the 
facts  of  Herondine's  capture  to  his  friends  than  any  good 
he  could  afford  him  by  following  up  and  exposing  himself 
to  death  or  sharing  his  fate. 

Meanwhile  the  struggle  on  the  battlefield  was  tremen- 
dous. The  onslaught  of  the  Confederates  heretofore  re- 
lated drove  the  Federals  off  the  plateau,  while  to  regain 
this  lost  ground  seemed  to  be  the  principal  object  of  the 
latter  during  the  last  hours  of  the  fight.  Up  from  the  val- 
ley and  the  depression  of  the  Sudley  road  over  the  margin 
of  the  piece  of  tableland  which  held  their  enemies,  Mc- 
Dowell's army  charged  repeatedly.  In  platoons,  by  sec- 
tions, in  companies,  or  battalions,  regiments,  and  brigades, 
they  rushed  up  before  the  Confederate  batteries  only  to  be 
driven  back  in  confusion.  They  were  obliged  to  fight  with 
small  arms  on  the  run  against  a  regular  line  of  battle,  with 
all  its  accessories,  designed  to  withstand  a  charge  of  horse 
or  foot. 

There  was  no  further  flank  movement,  no  artillery  line 
to  fall  back  on,  no  protected  ground  where  they  might 
rest  during  the  night  and  renew  the  fight  in  the  morning, 
and,  finally,  no  concerted  movement,  resulting,  of  course, 
from  continued  defeat.  Single  regiments  of  brave  men 
attempted  to  perform  the  work  of  a  division,  many  of  them 
yielding  up  their  lives  freely  on  the  score  of  patriotism,  yet 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  237 

knowing  their  action  would  not  accomplish  what  was 
expected  of  it.  The  position  lost  on  the  Henry  hill  was 
retaken  several  times,  but  had  to  be  given  up  on  account 
of  the  splendid  management  of  the  Confederate  troops. 

Near  the  close  of  the  battle  Howard's  brigade  came  in 
on  the  double-quick.  McDowell,  seeing  it,  collected  his 
available  troops,  and  with  the  newly-arrived  reinforcements 
crossed  the  bluff,  forced  back  the  Confederates  beyond  the 
Henry  and  Robinson  houses,  and  reoccupied  the  position 
held  by  his  batteries  earlier  in  the  day ;  but  where  were  the 
cannoneers,  the  guns,  the  horses,  and  the  brave  officers 
who  had  directed  them  ?  Dead,  overturned,  or  in  the 
hands  of  the  enemy  ! 

Beauregard  observed  the  movement.  He  knew  how  suc- 
cessful he  had  been  in  the  first  assault  he  had  made  with  his 
troops  across  the  surface  of  the  plateau.  Fresh  troops, 
hurried  up  by  Johnston,  now  reminded  him  he  could  make 
a  final  one.  General  Kirby  Smith's  brigade,  seventeen 
hundred  strong,  was  directed  by  General  Johnston  to 
Beauregard's  left.  While  marching  to  position,  Smith  fell 
severely  wounded,  his  place  being  filled  by  Colonel  Elzey. 
These  new  troops,  together  with  the  whole  Confederate 
line,  were  ordered  to  move  forward  in  one  wild  charge,  and 
every  factor  and  implement  of  war  went  down  before  them 
like  grass  in  the  face  of  a  mower.  The  Federal  army  re- 
tired on  Washington,  the  Confederates  remaining  masters 
of  the  field. 

Furflew  was  but  a  short  time  separated  from  Herondine 
when  he  encountered  a  vast  crowd  of  people  moving  in 
one  direction,  towards  the  national  capital  —  civilians  in 
vehicles  and  on  foot,  soldiers  with  and  without  arms,  am- 
bulances carrying  the  wounded,  teamsters  urging  their 


238  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

horses  or  mules  to  their  full  speed,  horsemen  dashing  across 
every  conceivable  obstruction  in  their  anxiety  to  get  under 
cover  or  out  of  reach  of  the  enemy,  for  it  was  generally 
believed  that  the  Confederate  cavalry  would  come  up  at 
any  moment  and  cut  down  every  person  in  sight.  To  add 
discomfort  to  this  distressing  situation,  the  sky  darkened 
and  later  it  began  to  rain;  and  the  variety  of  patriotic 
enthusiasm  which  a  few  hours  before  had  animated  the 
minds  of  thousands  of  good  men  now  lay  dead  at  the  feet 
of  hardship,  disgust,  and  weariness. 

Furflew,  learning  that  the  Federal  army  was  on  the 
retreat,  wheeled  his  horse  into  line  and  remarked  to  him- 
self how  advantageous  ventriloquism  was  compared  with 
army  life.  Then,  striking  into  a  group  of  stragglers,  he 
debated  questions  pertaining  to  the  recent  battle  on  his 
way  home. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

SAFE   UNDER    FIRE. 

BESIDES  what  has  been  already  related,  it  may  be  said 
that  crowds  of  civilians  sought  prominent  points 
overlooking  the  battlefield  of  Bull  Run,  eager  to  catch  a 
glimpse  of  the  action.  On  the  Northern  side  the  congre- 
gation appeared  very  conspicuous,  whereas,  on  the  other, 
the  Southerners  did  not  make  so  large  a  display.  Some 
regarded  the  occasion  as  suitable  for  enjoyment  in  the 
manner  that  people  are  induced  to  attend  a  prize  fight ; 
others  were  imbued  with  a  laudable  concern  for  the  main 
issue  between  the  contending  parties  ;  while  a  large  num- 
ber became  interested  on  account  of  the  impending  danger 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE,  239 

to  their  friends  in  the  ranks  of  the  armies.  Two  men  were 
there,  however,  who  seemed  to  have  no  well-defined  pur- 
pose at  heart  for  the  event.  They  had  been  attracted  to 
it  by  some  unaccountable  force  such  as  controls  persons 
when  they  heedlessly  follow  the  bent  of  their  inclinations 
on  the  expectation  of  reaping  a  rich  reward  of  pleasure  or 
profit. 

The  two  men  in  question  came  from  the  south,  pursuing 
a  northwesterly  direction  with  the  evident  intention  of 
keeping  the  battlefield  well  to  the  right.  Although  simi- 
larly and  tastefully  dressed  there  was  a  wide  difference  in 
their  appearance  as  individuals  as  well  as  in  their  social 
status.  One  was  the  owner  of  the  carriage  and  spanking 
pair  of  horses  which  furnished  them  transportation,  while 
the  other  held  the  reins  like  a  coachman.  On  a  closer 
scrutiny  it  was  plain  their  identity  could  not  be  mistaken, 
for  the  volubility  of  the  elder  man  and  the  easy  self-con- 
fidence of  his  companion  revealed  them  to  be  acquaint- 
ances of  the  reader ;  namely,  Saracen  Gay  and  his  servant 
Flappins.  The  progress  of  the  war  having  detracted  pat- 
ronage from  their  favorite  pursuit,  hypnotism,  Flappins 
believed  they  could  find  amusement  of  some  kind  near  the 
position  of  the  army,  either  while  witnessing  the  forward 
march  or  retreat  of  troops,  the  movement  of  supply  trains, 
or  the  variety  and  grotesque  appearance  of  camp  followers 
speculating  on  some  imaginary  gain. 

As  a  precautionary  measure,  Saracen  Gay  had  sought 
and  obtained  information  from  reliable  sources  in  regard 
to  the  conduct  of  the  expected  battle  at  Bull  Run.  He 
was  assured  the  Confederates  would  take  the  initiative  and 
constitute  the  attacking  party;  that  the  assault  would  be 
made  on  the  right,  and  therefore  he  would  be  perfectly 


240  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

safe  to  travel  and  bivouac  on  the  left  of  the  lines,  which 
would  be  quite  a  distance  from  the  scene  of  the  principal 
action.  Conceive  his  astonishment,  however,  and  that  of 
Flappins,  when,  on  the  morning  of  the  battle,  they  found 
themselves  actually  in  the  center  of  the  space  bounded 
by  both  armies.  There  was  ample  time  for  observation. 
They  had  come  up  on  a  well-appointed  public  road  the 
evening  before  ;  and,  as  the  weather  was  warm  and  pleas- 
ant, Saracen  Gay  directed  Flappins  to  turn  the  horses  to 
the  right  into  a  pleasant  pasture,  where  they  could  be 
secured  for  the  night,  while  the  two  men  would  sleep  in  the 
carriage  adroitly  arranged  so  as  to  be  comfortable. 

In  the  morning  they  heard  the  roar  of  the  cannon  in 
the  neighborhood  of  the  stone  bridge  and  chuckled  with 
delight  at  the  security  of  their  position,  Flappins  in  the 
meantime  getting  the  vehicle  ready  for  further  movement. 
Then  he  drove  his  companion  to  a  house  which  could  be 
seen  about  half  a  mile  distant,  so  as  to  partake  of  a  com- 
fortable breakfast.  Here  they  were  entertained  sumptu- 
ously, notwithstanding  that  it  was  a  farmhouse  and  the  lady 
owner  of  it  an  invalid.  Saracen  Gay  delighted  his  auditors 
with  sketches  of  his  life  —  amusing  stories  of  incidents  in 
which  he  participated  —  and  dilated  boastfully  of  his 
accomplishments  and  the  prowess  of  his  faithful  attendant. 

The  morning  hours  quickly  sped  away.  It  must  have 
been  after  nine  o'clock  when  Flappins  appeared  at  the 
door  returning  from  the  horses,  which  he  had  gone  to  see 
some  time  previously.  His  face  was  pale  and  his  limbs 
trembled,  although,  as  everybody  knew,  he  was  a  man  full 
of  courage  and  energy.  Making  a  hook  with  his  fore- 
finger, he  beckoned  Saracen  Gay  to  follow  him.  In  the 
vicinity  of  the  house  there  was  a  knoll  from  which  a  vie»v 


THE  FIRST  DECREE.  241 

of  the  surrounding  country  could  be  obtained.  Here  the 
two  men  halted  and  stood  transfixed  at  what  they  saw. 
Everywhere  around  at  the  distance  of  a  few  miles,  more  or 
less,  appeared  long  lines  of  troops  apparently  in  motion 
coming  towards  the  place  where  they  were  standing. 
From  the  north,  south,  east,  and  west  they  seemed  intent 
on  closing  into  one  great  circular  line  from  which  there 
could  be  no  escape.  Rudely  and  erroneously  as  the 
two  companions  had  been  accustomed  to  conduct  investi- 
gations, still  intuitively  they  measured  the  distances  in  the 
perspective  with  the  keenness  of  vision  of  connoisseurs. 
The  prospect  was  inexplicable  and  terrific.  They  would 
be  absorbed  hopelessly,  if  not  fatally,  by  the  least  touch  of 
this  crowd,  for  in  their  own  explicit  language  they  did  not 
know  which  was  which  —  Union  or  Confederate.  Nay, 
when  firing  began,  as  it  would  very  soon,  all  those  in  the 
line  of  fire  must  fall.  It  might  commence  at  any  moment; 
hence  Flappins's  anxiety  and  fear  of  consequences  which 
would  involve  both  his  living  and  his  life,  for  the  career 
of  Saracen  Gay  would  come  to  an  end  as  well  as  his  own. 
After  concluding  a  survey  of  his  surroundings  "  the  poor 
man  of  Christendom  "  said,  with  wonder  depicted  on  his 
countenance : 

"  Ris,  what  brought  us  here,  anyway?" 

"The  smell  of  a  good  breakfast,"  answered  Flappins, 
promptly;  "but,"  he  continued,  "that  ain't  out  of  it. 
We  came  here  to  escape  being  caught,  and  now  we're  caught 
without  escape,  whether  we  like  it  or  not.'' 

"Ris,"  resumed  Saracen  Gay,  "can  you  explain  this 
rather  fearful  situation  to  me  without  being  tedious.  Really, 
I  do  not  understand.  We  must  have  lost  our  reckoning 
and  struck  the  right  instead  of  left.  I'm  mystified,  if  not 


242  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

altogether  confounded,  by  the  turn  things  are  taking. 
What  is  in  the  wind,  Ris?  Are  we  the  victims  of  a 
mirage?" 

Flappins  smiled  faintly  as  he  volunteered  an  answer  to 
one  of  these  questions. 

"  Saracen,  there's  death  in  the  wind,  and  don't  you  for- 
get it." 

Then  Saracen  Gay  grew  pettish.  The  serious  and  threat- 
ening appearance  of  the  prospect  annihilated  the  mirthful 
disposition  within  him,  and  he  appealed  to  Flappins  pite- 
ously,  moving  close  to  the  man  as  if,  like  a  child  seeking 
protection,  he  had  been  terrorized  beyond  endurance. 

"  You  can  do  it,  Ris,"  he  said.  "  You  won't  let  them 
touch  me.  I  was  always  safe  in  your  company.  Won't 
you  save  me  now?  Won't  you,  Ris?" 

Flappins  felt  the  weight  of  responsibility  pressing  upon 
him  at  that  moment  more  than  ever  before  as  he  replied  : 

"Oh,  of  course,  Saracen,  I  could  cut  my  way  through 
the  ranks  like  this,"  and  he  swung  his  arms  in  the  air  as  a 
person  using  a  sword,  "while  you  might  easily  follow  in 
the  opening;  but  I'm  afraid  they'd  grab  you  before  you  got 
through  :  so  we'll  get  a  safer  plan." 

Saying  this,  Flappins  hastily  returned  to  the  house  and 
informed  the  family  of  the  situation  on  the  outside.  He 
made  a  suggestion,  also,  which,  in  the  absence  of  anything 
better,  was  concurred  in  by  those  present,  there  being  little 
time  to  spend  in  debate.  This  was  what  Flappins  recom- 
mended :  the  invalid  lady,  with  the  two  other  inmates  of  the 
house — a  boy  of  eighteen  and  a  middle-aged  woman  — 
to  take  the  carriage  down  through  the  adjacent  valley  and 
seek  good  shelter  in  a  ravine  at  the  end  of  it,  where  large 
trees  formed  both  shade  and  protection,  while  Saracen  Gay 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  243 

and  himself  would  go  into  the  little  brick  cellar  under  the 
kitchen  of  the  house,  remaining  concealed  there  until  the 
battle  ended. 

"Mind  you,"  continued  Flappins,  raising  his  finger  to 
direct  attention  to  the  importance  of  the  proposed  arrange- 
ment, "  if  we  didn't  come  here  you  never  could  have  lit 
on  such  an  outfit.  The  team  is  the  best  in  the  country  by 
long  odds,  not  to  speak  of  the  carriage ;  so  jump  in  and 
get  out." 

As  quickly  as  the  occasion  admitted,  the  women  took 
seats  in  the  carriage,  and  the  boy,  mounting  the  box  seat, 
drove  off;  while  Saracen  Gay  and  Flappins  descended  into 
the  little  cellar,  securing  the  entrance  above  them,  a  trap- 
door, to  prevent  intrusion. 

"  I  think,"  remarked  the  man  to  Saracen  Gay,  when  safe 
within  the  cellar  walls,  "  I  have  made  a  purty  fair  deal  this 
time.  You  see  I  had  to  throw  the  turnout  in  to  secure  the 
cellar  for  ourselves.  We're  poor;  but  we  can  stand  the 
loss,  can't  we?" 

"  Better  than  most  people,"  answered  Saracen  Gay. 

"I  thought  it  much  more  profitable  to  save  your  life 
than  carry  your  dead  body  home,"  rejoined  Flappins,  for- 
getting that  this  form  of  expression  exhibited  his  selfish- 
ness instead  of  real  friendship  for  his  employer. 

"You  are  truly  wonderful,"  returned  Saracen  Gay  pleas- 
antly, not  noticing  the  significance  of  the  sentence;  " but 
it  is  like  you,"  he  continued,  "always  doing  something 
more  than  other  men — in  fact,  surprising  the  world  by 
your  genius." 

"  Now,  Saracen,"  resumed  Flappins,  "  the  beauty  of  the 
trade  is  this :  the  people  in  the  carriage  may  get  the  fire 
from  the  guns  into  'em,  or  dropped  onto  'em,  as  the  case 


244  LV  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

may  be,  whereas  we'll  be  under  the  fire,  but  never  get  hurt 
because  we're  in  the  ground." 

"  Ris,  you're  a  rare  un,"  said  Saracen  Gay,  laughing 
hysterically  ;  for  the  evident  security  which  the  little  place 
afforded  him,  backed  by  the  man's  assurances,  began  to 
revive  his  drooping  spirits.  A  short  time  afterwards  the 
real  battle  began. 

Seated  on  a  rude  bench  in  the  underground  apartment 
heretofore  described,  with  little  gleams  of  light  descending 
through  the  interstices  of  the  trapdoor,  Saracen  Gay  and 
Flappins  listened  intently  to  the  multitudes  of  sounds  com- 
posing the  uproar  in  the  vicinity  of  their  hiding  place  dur- 
ing the  action  of  that  memorable  day. 

The  infantry  and  artillery  firing  during  the  forenoon 
seemed  interminable.  The  rattle,  the  boom,  the  crash,  the 
explosion,  intermingled  with  minor  sounds,  produced  an 
awful  combination,  such  as  is  not  even  heard  coming  from 
natural  phenomena.  To  the  listener's  mind  it  appeared  as 
if  a  planet  had  burst  in  the  heavens  and  the  fragments  were 
carrying  death  and  destruction  to  the  earth  In  support  of 
this  idea,  the  winds  wafted  to  their  ears  the  shouts  of  deri- 
sion and  exultation  of  the  contending  parties,  the  hoarse, 
unintelligible  words  of  command,  and  the  groans  of  the 
wounded  and  the  dying. 

After  hours  spent  in  listening  to  this  dreadful  play,  the 
sources  of  terror  changed  to  something  even  more  terrible. 
The  earth  trembled  with  the  tread  of  bodies  of  men, 
troops  of  horses,  and  artillery  wagons,  all  moving  to  some 
other  objective  point.  Soon  it  became  apparent  that  the 
combatants  were  coming  nearer;  for  footsteps  were  heard 
on  the  floors  of  the  house  above,  and  the  belching  of  can- 
non made  the  walls  of  the  cellar  shake  as  if  they  were 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  245 

about  to  fall  in  and  crush  the  occupants  to  death.  During 
this  trying  time  the  men  scarcely  breathed.  Flappins  held 
Saracen  Gay  round  the  body  with  his  strong  arm  to  pre- 
vent nervous  shock,  although  both  were  worked  up  to  the 
highest  point  of  nervousness  on  account  of  the  uproar. 
They  could  hear  bullets  pierce  the  walls  of  the  house,  the 
crash  of  breaking  glass,  shells  bursting  in  the  air  or  on  the 
roof,  and  men  falling  on  the  earth  near  the  trapdoor  never 
to  rise. 

It  appeared  singular  that  prearranged  calculations  such 
as  Saracen  Gay  and  Flappins  had  been  accustomed  to 
make  should  turn  suddenly  into  dire  calamity.  Even  in 
this  manner  did  the  men  reflect ;  and  Flappins  especially 
thought  that,  after  all,  the  people  who  accepted  the  car- 
riage and  horses  had  the  better  share  of  protection,  but 
dare  not  mention  it  to  his  companion,  as  it  would  reflect 
against  the  character  of  his  own  judgment. 

Several  times  during  the  day  it  was  believed  the  last 
moment  of  their  lives  had  come,  so  fearfully  did  the  com- 
motion increase,  and  the  men  would  groan  simultaneously 
as  if  each  had  received  his  deathblow;  yet  they  lived 
through  the  siege  unhurt,  notwithstanding  the  insignifi- 
cance of  the  earthworks  behind  which  they  were  concealed. 
It  may  be  said  also  that  during  most  of  the  time  here 
referred  to  Saracen  Gay  was  powerless  to  move.  He  lay 
a  helpless  mass  in  the  arms  of  Flappins,  unable  even  to 
articulate  words  and  only  exhibiting  signs  of  life  by  his 
quick  breathing  and  an  occasional  pressure  of  his  hand  on 
Flappins's  arm  whenever  a  more  than  ordinary  strife  was 
heard  above. 

Relief  from  this  unenviable  condition  was  slow  in  com- 
ing, but  it  finally  came.  About  four  o'clock  in  the  after- 


246  JN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

noon  the  heavy  firing  ceased.  The  lesser  sounds  of  battle 
seemed  to  be  moving  into  the  distance ;  the  heavy  marching 
of  men  and  bumping  of  the  earth's  surface  from  disabled 
wagons  were  slowly  drawn  off;  and  it  appeared  certain  to 
the  minds  of  Saracen  Gay  and  his  attendant  that  the  battle 
was  over.  Still,  they  moved  not  for  fully  half  an  hour 
after  the  noises  they  had  been  listening  to  had  ceased 
altogether.  No  sensation  or  pleasure  ever  came  to  them 
with  half  the  satisfaction  of  that  rest,  silence  being  on 
one  side  and  security  on  the  other.  It  was  as  if  they  had 
been  carried  on  the  wings  of  birds  into  dreamland  for  the 
enjoyment  of  the  unattainable  on  earth.  Flappins,  making 
a  great  show  of  courage,  disengaged  himself  from  the  grasp 
of  his  companion  as  he  said : 

"I'll  revive  you,  Saracen.  I  ain't  afraid  any  more  than 
I  would  be  of  a  scarecrow  in  grandpa's  cornfield.  See 
here!"  and  throwing  the  trapdoor  upwards  and  back- 
wards, he  stood  proudly  before  his  employer  in  the  light  of 
the  evening,  the  fresh  air  also  coming  plentifully  through 
the  aperture  just  made. 

Saracen  Gay  looked  at  Flappins  as  one  would  view  a 
magician.  He  did  not  speak,  but  the  man  knew  if  he  had 
spoken  he  would  have  said  :  "What  wonderful  courage 
you  have,  Ris,  and  with  such  odds  against  you,  too  !  It  ig 
truly  astonishing." 

Flappins  raised  his  finger  playfully  to  indicate  confine- 
ment to  Saracen  Gay's  present  position  of  rest ;  while  he, 
with  the  boldness  peculiar  to  him,  mounted  the  steps  and 
disappeared  on  a  tour  of  inspection,  as  well  as  to  forage  for 
something  to  eat. 

After  an  absence  of  ten  or  twelve  minutes,  the  person- 
ality of  Risbon  Flappins  appeared  transformed  in  a  won- 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  247 

derful  manner.  His  limbs  trembled,  the  articles  he  held 
in  his  hands  jostled  against  each  other  as  if  he  had  been 
stricken  with  palsy,  and  his  face  seemed  elongated  and 
ghostly.  Bending  over  Saracen  Gay,  Flappins,  without 
speaking,  began  to  apply  the  contents  of  a  bottle  to  the 
sick  man's  hands,  face,  and  feet.  Then  he  gave  him  a 
drink  from  the  same  receptacle,  saying  in  a  low  voice : 

"  Saracen,  what's  good  for  the  outside  is  equally  so  for 
the  inside.  This  wine  will  benefit  both  places." 

He  also  raised  the  bottle  to  his  own  lips,  remarking 
in  an  undertone  as  if  reasoning  with  himself:  "  My  sakes  ! 
there  ain't  no  use  in  thinking  of  Good  Templars'  pledges 
here,  and  don't  you  forget  it." 

When  Flappins' s  treatment  of  Saracen  Gay  had  the 
effect  of  restoring  that  gentleman  to  full  consciousness  and 
vigor,  when  the  slanting  rays  of  the  sun  had  disappeared 
from  the  battlefield  and  the  two  armies  had  come  apart 
leaving  many  a  hero  in  the  dust  with  his  name  and  his 
fame  soon  to  be  buried  with  his  remains,  and  when  the 
beautiful  twilight  came  down  from  the  heavens  like  an 
angel  on  outspread  wings,  the  men  emerged  from  their 
hiding  place  and  began  an  examination  of  the  prospect 
before  them.  They  stood  a  little  while  hand  in  hand  like 
children.  What  was  stern  or  combative  in  their  natures 
had  been  subdued  by  the  terrors  imposed  on  their  presence 
by  the  agents  of  the  battle.  It  was  not  so  much  that  their 
spirits  had  been  whipped  by  mysterious  powers  as  that  their 
souls  had  been  overshadowed  by  awe  in  the  midst  of  phe- 
nomena whose  existence  was  regarded  heretofore  by  them 
as  fabulous. 

Flappins  by  a  slight  inclination  forward  induced  Saracen 
Gay  to  follow.  He  led  him  into  the  house  where  in  the 


248  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

morning  they  had  breakfasted  with  so  much  satisfaction. 
What  a  change  was  here  !  It  appeared  as  if  the  section  of 
a  cyclone  had  passed  through  it,  rending  the  walls  so  as  to 
exhibit  great,  jagged  apertures  in  the  sides  and  through 
the  roof,  twisting  the  studding  out  of  shape,  and  splinter- 
ing the  weatherboards  into  kindling  wood.  The  glass  of 
the  windows  was  piled  in  fragments  on  the  floor,  some  of 
them  having  been  carried  onto  the  breakfast  table,  into 
the  pantry,  and  over  the  counterpanes  of  the  beds,  as  if  the 
design  of  the  bullets  and  the  bursting  shells  had  been  to 
scatter  glass  over  every  available  nook  and  corner  of  the 
house.  Flappins,  feeling  the  obligation  resting  upon  him 
of  guiding  his  party  through  the  present  difficulties  in  a 
very  limited  time,  seeing  Saracen  Gay  completely  absorbed 
in  the  contemplation  of  this  fearful  wreck,  touched  him 
lightly  on  the  shoulder,  and,  pointing  to  an  inner  room,  said : 

"  Look,  Saracen  !  " 

The  man  addressed  turned  his  gaze  in  the  direction 
indicated,  and  lo  !  there  lay  on  one  of  the  rude  beds  the 
dead  body  of  a  woman  covered  by  a  winding  sheet,  the 
features  being  attenuated  and  somewhat  contorted,  but  the 
eyelids  stood  open  as  if  to  induce  the  orbs  of  vision  to  view 
yet  a  little  while  longer  the  terrors  imposed  by  man  in 
conjunction  or  in  contrast  with  the  beneficence  of  God. 
On  approaching  the  couch  the  men  were  startled  on  recog- 
nizing the  invalid  lady  who  had  entertained  them  in  the 
morning;  and  Saracen  Gay, forgetful  of  that  sympathy  which 
human  kind  occasionally  bestows  on  its  benefactors,  said 
irreverently : 

"  O  Ris  !  bless  my  heart !  where  is  the  carriage  ?  " 

"  And  the  horses?"  promptly  answered  Flappins — "  the 
gayest  team  from  here  to  themselves." 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  249 

"I  cannot  imagine  what  has  happened,"  continued  Sar- 
acen Gay.  "  Did  this  dead  person  ever  leave  here,  or  was 
it  that  she  simply  died  in  her  bed  like  everybody  else,  as 
was  natural  for  her  to  do?  " 

"  It  puzzles  me  just  to  know  the  ins  and  outs  of  it,"  re- 
plied the  man,  "  but  it's  a  sure  thing  that  she  left  on  time, 
because  I  shoved  her  into  the  carriage  myself  and  saw  them 
drive  her  down  the  slope."  After  some  reflection  he  con- 
tinued, raising  his  finger  before  the  face  of  Saracen  Gay : 
"  I'll  bet  a  bit  they  found  it  too  hot  for  her  in  the  gulch 
and  tried  to  run  her  back,  but  got  left.  Didn't  we  do 
well,  though,  to  make  the  trade?  I  knew  they'd  catch 
thunder  in  that  quarter,  but,  of  course,  couldn't  give  the 
thing  away,  as  I  had  to  look  out  for  number  one." 

In  such  ungenerous  words  as  these  did  Flappins  dilate  on 
his  contract  with  the  deceased  lady  whereby  he  secured  the 
cellar  for  the  protection  of  himself  and  Saracen  Gay  in 
exchange  for  the  use  of  the  carriage  and  horses  which  car- 
ried her  to  destruction. 

Turning  quickly  from  the  scene,  whose  melancholy 
phases  began  to  operate  in  a  distressing  manner  on  the 
mind  of  "the  poor  man  of  Christendom,"  Flappins  led 
the  way  out  of  the  house  to  a  prospect  still  more  appalling. 
It  was  in  the  first  twilight  that  came  over  the  battlefield, 
before  the  hospital  corps  of  either  party  had  come  to  carry 
off  the  wounded  or  any  change  had  been  instituted  in  the 
place  as  abandoned  by  the  powers  of  war.  The  clouds  of 
smoke  and  dust  enveloping  the  retreating  army  could  yet 
be  seen  in  the  distance,  as  well  as  those  pursuing  the  vic- 
torious one,  whose  weary  soldiers  fell  back  to  their  camp- 
ing grounds  to  recuperate  from  the  fatigues  of  the  day, 
excepting  some  bodies  of  cavalry  under  orders  to  harass 


250  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

the  stragglers  of  the  enemy.  The  silence  peculiar  to  night 
was  steadily  approaching,  resembling  the  cessation  of  a 
thunderstorm.  All  above  the  field  proper  there  was  calm- 
ness, but  on  the  semicircular  horizon  towards  the  north 
there  were  heard  sounds  at  intervals  like  signal  guns  or  the 
firing  of  a  battery  in  honor  of  a  president.  These,  it  may 
be  said,  emanated  from  the  brigades  of  infantry  covering 
the  Federal  retreat,  and  gradually  grew  less  as  the  Union 
soldiers  moved  away. 

In  the  vicinity  of  the  house  just  abandoned  the  dead 
and  wounded  were  as  numerous  on  the  ground,  apparently, 
as  the  first  fall  of  autumn  leaves  when  rustled  by  the  vigor- 
ous wind  of  October.  As  far  as  the  eye  could  reach  in  the 
imperfect  light  of  that  hour,  the  bodies  of  the  slain  were 
scattered  in  an  indiscriminate  manner,  showing  the  harsh 
and  unnatural  design  of  the  convulsion  which  instituted 
this  state  of  things.  Over  the  field  at  intermediate  points 
could  be  seen  the  limbs  of  disabled  cannon  projecting  into 
the  air;  dead  horses  sharing  the  fate  of  their  riders;  guns, 
sabers,  pistols,  bayonets,  accouterments,  and  provisions 
strewn  about  in  large  quantities;  and  dark,  irregularly 
shaped  ruts  where  cannon  balls  or  bursting  shells  had  torn 
into  the  surface  of  the  earth.  Columns  of  black  smoke 
struggled  to  rise  and  diffuse  themselves  through  the  heavy 
atmosphere,  but  remained  visible  like  huge  human  shapes 
conjured  up  by  unseen  powers  to  mourn  over  the  dead,  giv- 
ing, not  only  a  hideous  appearance  to  the  plain,  but  stirring 
up  a  sulphurous  odor,  suggesting  to  the  mind  of  the  ob- 
server that  their  home  was  of  the  nature  of  the  bottomless 
pit. 

Flappins,  finding  that  with  the  deepening  twilight  there 
came  also  signs  of  rain,  bestirred  himself  in  his  search  for 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  251 

the  carriage.  He  concluded  it  could  not  be  far  from  the 
house  if  the  parties  concerned  about  it  in  the  morning  had 
returned  with  the  invalid  lady,  as  was  certain  from  what  he 
had  seen  within.  This  idea  proved  correct,  for  in  a  gulch 
at  the  back  of  the  garden  he  discovered  the  much  desired 
conveyance.  It  was  in  a  dilapidated  condition,  however, 
having  been  ditched  in  a  systematic  way,  with  one  of  the 
large  wheels  broken,  the  body  perforated  with  bullets,  the 
covering  torn  to  shreds,  and  the  varnish  cracked,  splintered, 
and  in  some  places  altogether  worn  off.  As  a  whole,  the 
vehicle  could  scarcely  be  recognized,  being  gray  with  dust ; 
and  the  horses  had  disappeared.  This  was  a  poor  prospect 
for  escape  from  the  terrors  of  the  night,  but  Flappins  was 
equal  to  the  occasion.  He  procured  a  strong  lever,  and 
with  the  assistance  of  Saracen  Gay  righted  the  carriage. 

"You  have  often  heard,"  said  he,  "about  the  incon- 
venience of  the  fifth  wheel  of  a  wagon ;  but  I'm  going  to 
show  you,  Saracen,  that  it's  worth  betting  on  this  time,  and 
don't  you  forget  it.  One  of  these  wheels  I  see  lying 
around  here  will  fit  the  carriage  to  a  dot ;  so,  when  I  get 
her  in,  we  can  move." 

"  Nothing  can  beat  you,  Ris,"  said  Saracen  Gay  confi- 
dently. "  I  verily  believe  you  can  move  the  carriage  with- 
out horses,  like  a  giant." 

Flappins  appeared  concerned  at  this  remark,  as  it  could 
be  seen  that  there  was  neither  a  horse  in  sight  nor  a  hope 
of  procuring  one,  for  every  animal  of  the  kind  had  long 
since  been  confiscated  or  pressed  into  service  by  army  men  ; 
yet  he  answered  good-humoredly : 

"  Never  you  mind,  Saracen ;  if  I  don't  send  that  carriage 
scooting  into  the  road  before  daylight,  just  as  if  a  cannon 
had  struck  her  in  the  rear  end,  call  me  Jack  Robinson." 


252  LV  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

Then  he  intimated  to  Saracen  Gay  that  he  should  take 
a  seat  in  the  vehicle  and  make  himself  comfortable,  while 
he,  Flappins,  would  go  into  the  darkness  and  procure  the 
promised  aid.  By  this  time  the  wheel  had  been  adjusted  to 
the  carriage,  and,  although  heavier  than  the  original, 
seemed  to  answer  very  well.  At  first  "  the  poor  man  of 
Christendom"  dissented  vigorously  from  this  plan,  but 
under  the  persuasive  reasoning  of  Flappins  he  finally  con- 
sented to  it.  It  seemed  a  terrible  fate  to  be  abandoned  on 
the  battlefield  with  the  dead  and  dying,  rooted  practically 
to  one  spot ;  but  Saracen  Gay  reflected  that  Flappins  had 
never  failed  in  any  past  enterprise,  nor  would  he,  in  his 
belief,  in  future  or  in  the  present  emergency.  Besides,  the 
man's  language,  always  boastful,  inspired  confidence. 

"  I  know  where  to  find  things,  Saracen,"  he  said. 
"  Recollect  what  a  trade  I  made  with  the  — " 

He  did  not  finish  the  sentence,  but,  pointing  with  his 
thumb  over  his  shoulder,  referred  to  the  invalid  lady  here- 
tofore mentioned,  now  dead  within  the  house.  Then 
Flappins  disappeared  in  the  darkness. 

Saracen  Gay  looked  out  upon  the  night  with  a  more 
concentrated  vision  in  search  of  objects  than  he  had  ever 
previously  used.  The  darkness  had  grown  thick  and 
murky,  owing  to  the  obscuration  of  the  sky  by  rain  clouds. 
The  forms  he  had  seen  in  daylight  were  no  longer  visible ; 
but  in  his  mind  they  had  become  enlarged  until  they 
assumed  immense  proportions,  and  with  them  appeared  to 
the  fanciful  imagination  others  having  no  real  existence. 
He  thought  he  saw  huge  shadows  moving  over  the  field 
with  implements  of  war  in  their  hands  as  if  in  search  of 
something,  and  it  was  easy  to  conceive  that  perhaps  they 
were  looking  for  him  !  At  this  he  trembled,  gathered  him- 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  253 

self  closely  into  a  corner  of  the  carriage,  and  listened  for 
the  return  of  Flappins,  now  an  hour  or  more  absent. 

Instead  of  being  greeted  by  the  welcome  sounds  of  his 
voice,  however,  he  heard  others  that  rather  increased  his 
trepidation.  At  first  they  had  been  confined  to  the  vicin- 
ity of  the  place  where  he  was  located,  but  as  the  silence  of 
the  night  deepened  and  he  listened  more  intently  than 
heretofore,  they  arose  at  intervals  from  point  to  point  until 
the  entire  district  as  well  as  the  atmosphere  above  it 
seemed  involved.  To  him,  who  was  no  interpreter  of  signs 
or  sounds,  these  latter  passed  unnoticed  in  the  beginning 
of  his  watch ;  but  their  persistence  at  length  roused  him  to 
the  reality  of  that  from  which  they  proceeded.  When  the 
truth  flashed  upon  his  thoughts,  he  was  horror-stricken. 
These  disturbances  in  the  night  were  the  groans  of  the 
wounded,  whose  activity  while  in  health  and  vigor  had 
been  neutralized  by  the  accidents  of  war,  and  now,  maimed 
and  helpless,  lay  under  the  inclemency  of  the  weather  like 
sheep  without  a  shepherd,  abandoned  to  the  storm  on  the 
bleak  mountain  side. 

When  the  full  extent  of  the  disaster  here  indicated  came 
to  the  mind  of  Saracen  Gay,  he  wept.  Nay,  more ;  he 
began  to  reason  for  himself,  and  came  to  tolerably  correct 
conclusions  under  the  necessities  of  the  situation.  Besides, 
there  was  another  change  in  the  scene.  Flickering  lights 
appeared  in  several  places.  These  evidently  were  lanterns 
carried  by  men  searching  for  soldiers  not  yet  dead  —  relief 
corps  come  to  carry  the  wounded  to  the  hospitals. 

"  Is  this  all  ?  "  he  asked  mentally,  as  he  peered  into  the 
gloom,  still  suspicious  of  danger  or  difficulty. 

"No."  The  answer  came  from  the  infinite  as  if  the 
dark  depths  of  the  void  understood  his  question,  although 


254  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

delivered  in  secret  to  himself,  and  vouchsafed  a  reply  such 
as  harmonized  with  its  doleful  character. 

Through  the  margin  of  the  little  light  around  him,  on 
one  of  the  ridges  where  many  a  patriot  fell  he  saw  two  men 
busily  engaged  in  some  mysterious  enterprise  who  carried 
no  lights.  He  followed  the  forms  with  great  interest. 
They  bent  low  frequently,  then  as  often  assumed  the  up- 
right position  and  shuffled  from  place  to  place  noiselessly 
and  as  if  afraid  of  being  detected. 

"  What  do  these  movements  mean  ?  "  he  asked  himself. 

Would  the  solution  of  the  question  come  to  him  as 
others  did?  Yes.  The  dark  figures  he  saw  were  men 
engaged  in  despoiling  the  dead.  He  trembled  for  his 
own  safety  as  the  truth  followed  the  inquiry.  Should  they 
come  his  way  and  find  him  unprotected,  they  would  kill 
him  instantly.  He  could  expect  no  mercy  from  such  men. 
If  any  person  had  seen  his  countenance  at  that  moment 
there  could  be  read  upon  it  wonder,  terror,  and  disgust. 
He  cowered  in  his  little  seat,  drawing  his  large  overcoat 
around  him,  like  one  about  to  receive  his  deathblow.  The 
rain  pattered  on  the  parts  of  the  carriage  which  had 
escaped  destruction,  one  of  which  hung  above  his  head 
and  afforded  him  a  little  shelter ;  the  murky  night  became 
blacker  and  more  profound ;  and  the  human  ghouls  had 
actually  turned  and  were  coming  towards  him,  as  Saracen 
Gay  concluded  that  this  was  the  most  fearful  moment  of 
his  life.  Then,  like  a  criminal  on  the  scaffold,  he  waited 
with  breathless  expectation  either  a  reprieve  by  the  return 
of  Flappins,  or  a  miserable  death. 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  255 

CHAPTER  XIX. 

WOUNDED    ON    BOTH   SIDES. 

THERE  was  a  sudden  halt  manifested  in  the  progress 
of  the  two  men  approaching  Saracen  Gay,  due  to  a 
peculiar  noise  quite  audible  to  both  parties.  This  noise 
first  came  from  the  depths  of  the  valley  beneath,  gradually 
ascended  the  side  of  the  bluff,  and  cheerily  sounded  near 
the  ears  of  "the  poor  man  of  Christendom."  It  was  a 
repetition  of  the  word  "  whoa!  "  While  the  ghouls  dis- 
appeared in  the  darkness,  Saracen  Gay  recognized  the 
voice  of  Flappins,  but  wondered  at  the  strangeness  of  the 
word.  Presently  the  man  addressed  him. 

"  I've  made  a  raise,  Saracen  —  the  best  there  was." 

Saracen  Gay  looked  through  the  darkness  and  beheld 
the  outline  of  a  large  animal  near  where  Flappins  stood. 

"  Do  my  eyes  deceive  me,  Ris,  or  is  this  really  a  section 
of  Bull  Run  Mountain  you  have  brought  up  here?" 

"It  is  the  bull  without  the  run,"  replied  Flappins  jest- 
ingly. "  He'll  carry  us  through  in  a  walk;  and  this  will 
be  an  advantage,  because  everybody  else  is  running  so  fast 
that  we  will  have  the  road  all  to  ourselves.  Besides,  Sara- 
cen, he  can  travel  through  all  kinds  of  weather  without  a 
stop,  and  won't  be  hurt  by  the  transaction." 

"Is  it  an  elephant,  Ris?" 

"No,  Saracen,  it  ain't.  It's  an  overgrown  steer  —  an 
ox." 

Saracen  Gay  groaned  on  hearing  this  piece  of  informa- 
tion. 

"  Is  it  reasonable  to  suppose  this  fellow  will  do  the  work 
of  our  horses  ? ' '  asked  Saracen  Gay. 

"  Of  course  he  will,"  answered  the -man. 


256  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

"  How  wonderful  !  And  do  you  think,  Ris,  he'll  go 
off  like  a  cannon  ball?  " 

"  Ah,  Saracen,  you  have  a  great  memory,"  said  Flappins, 
as  he  remembered  having  promised  to  procure  a  convey- 
ance that  would  carry  them  over  the  route  with  the  celerity 
of  the  article  described;  "but,"  he  continued,  taking  up 
the  thread  of  his  companion's  discourse,  "  he'll  be  wise  to 
go  slow  this  time.  We'll  let  him  have  his  way,  Saracen  ; 
he  guesses  more  about  the  situation  than  you  and  I  put 
together  if  we  worked  at  it  for  a  month." 

"Your  knowledge  of  animals  is  something  surprising, 
Ris,"  said  Saracen  Gay  in  a  complimentary  tone  of  voice; 
—  to  which  the  man  responded  : 

"You  bet.  I  know  what  he  knows  besides  what  I  know 
myself,  which  is  considerable;  therefore,  while  he  leads 
and  I  drive  you  cannot  be  beat." 

This  assurance  pleased  "  the  poor  man  of  Christendom  " 
very  much,  notwithstanding  its  illogical  conclusion.  His 
drooping  spirit  revived  somewhat,  also,  while  Flappins 
hitched  the  ox  to  the  carriage  and  adjusted  a  covering 
above  it  consisting  of  three  or  four  rubber  blankets  which 
he  had  previously  collected  for  that  purpose,  as  these  arti- 
cles were  plentifully  scattered  over  the  field. 

"You  never  found  out  how  I  dropped  onto  the  ox, 
Saracen,"  said  Flappins,  pleasantly,  wondering  why  "the 
poor  man  "  had  not  questioned  him  on  this  point;  "then 
I'll  tell  you.  The  farmer  that  owned  this  ox  is  a  cousin  of 
ray  aunt's  husband's  mother.  He  lives  about  a  mile  from 
the  Gainesville  road  —  'tain't  far  from  here  —  and,  meet- 
ing him  a  few  days  ago  at  market,  he  told  me  he  dreaded 
raids  on  his  stock  by  marauders  in  this  war.  On  inquiring 
about  t'he  size  of  his  herd,  he  said  it  wasn't  much  —  only 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  257 

one  head  of  oxen,  which  was  valuable,  all  the  same.  He 
hired  the  ox  out  to  carry  the  dead  to  the  cemetery.  In 
the  country  district  where  he  lives  there  is  no  such  a  thing 
as  a  hearse,  and  as  his  animal  was  the  slowest  creature  in 
the  vicinity  it  was  thought  the  best  for  the  purpose,  so  as 
to  keep  the  interment  of  the  dear  departed  up  to  the  last 
moment.  He  made  money,  Saracen,  and  don't  you  forget 
it ;  but,  behold  you,  as  my  grandmother  Flappins  used  to 
say,  the  way  things  turn  out  is  a  caution.  I  asked  him 
how  he  was  going  to  manage,  not  knowing  that  the  infor- 
mation would  ever  be  of  any  service  to  me  afterwards; 
and  shading  his  face  with  his  hand  so  that  no  third  party 
could  hear  what  was  said,  he  told  me  in  case  of  danger  he'd 
hide  the  ox  in  the  big  cellar  under  the  stable,  which  is 
banked  up  with  dry  manure  as  if  everything  was  just  level 
with  the  ground.  Will  you  believe  it,  Saracen,  that  that 
there  man  had  tears  in  his  eyes  when  he  thought  how  safe 
his  ox  would  be  ?  Well,  when  we  got  euchred ;  when  I 
thought  that  your  life  depended  upon  mine,  and  that  the 
difficulty  of  our  situation  here  must  be  relieved  at  any  cost, 
although,  of  course,  we're  poor;  when  I  saw  no  way  out 
excepting  through  this  ox,  for,  as  you  know,  every  horse, 
mule,  and  ass  in  the  country  is  in  service ;  taking  all  the 
risks  upon  myself  in  good  part,  as  well  as  the  inconvenience 
to  the  dead,  not  to  speak  of  my  relation's  tears,  I  went  for 
him  baldheaded,  and  here  he  is  !  " 

Saracen  Gay  remained  silent  for  several  minutes,  lost  in 
wonder  at  the  daring  feat  described  in  this  recital,  for  he 
did  not  understand  whether  it  was  meritorious  in  him  to 
praise  or  censure  the  man  for  his  conduct  in  the  case. 
He  trembled  at  the  reflection  of  being  borne  forward  by 
the  very  animal  heretofore  employed  to  carry  the  deceased 


258  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

of  the  ultra  Gainesville  road  people  to  their  last  resting 
place,  besides  running  the  risk  of  being  indicted  for  having 
stolen  property  in  his  possession ;  but,  to  offset  these  ter- 
rors, he  saw  a  means  of  escaping  from  premature  death  and 
a  return  to  the  pleasant  times  such  as  he  had  enjoyed  before 
the  war.  Hence  he  poured  forth  a  series  of  sentences  in 
praise  of  Flappins  that  fairly  made  that  man  laugh,  not- 
withstanding the  dangers  surrounding  their  situation.  In 
the  meantime,  every  detail  for  the  journey  having  been 
attended  to,  Flappins,  standing  erect  near  the  animal's 
head  and  having  a  long  pole  in  his  hand,  touched  him 
with  it  on  the  ribs  as  a  gentle  reminder  that  they  were  to 
advance,  shouting  at  the  same  time,  "Whoa  !  "  in  the  style 
he  had  heard  others  use  it,  so  as  to  make  the  ox  under- 
stand they  were  at  a  burial  instead  of  a  retreat.  Then  were 
heard  sounds  characteristic  of  a  start  —  the  creaking  of 
the  wooden  collar  around  the  beast's  neck,  a  straining  of 
the  impromptu  traces,  a  resistance  of  the  carriage  in  the 
soft  ground,  which  was  overcome  in  an  instant,  the  lurch- 
ing of  the  vehicle  to  gain  an  equilibrium,  and  the  voice 
of  Saracen  Gay,  jubilant  over  the  successful  movement 
towards  safety  and  freedom.  Then,  with  a  difficult  and 
hazardous  trail  before  them,  the  party  moved  through  the 
night. 

It  was  here  for  the  first  time  that  Saracen  Gay  reflected 
seriously  on  the  value  of  Flappins'  services  to  him,  and 
learned  the  meaning  of  the  word  "  faithfulness"  as  applied 
to  workers.  All  through  that  dreary  night  the  man  stood 
at  his  post,  now  advancing  before  the  ox  to  ascertain  the 
character  of  the  ground,  again  removing  heaps  of  slain 
from  their  passage  or  guiding  the  beast  around  them  so  as 
to  economize  time,  and  at  intervals  cheering  Saracen  Gay 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  259 

by  words  of  hope.  The  rain  poured  upon  him,  but  it  did 
not  dampen  his  ardor.  The  gloom  of  the  night  obliterated 
all  traces  of  a  definite  route ;  but  his  knowledge  of  the 
country,  his  powerful  animal  instinct,  and  his  perseverance 
carried  him  through  it  steadily  with  little  interruption. 
And  what  gave  Saracen  Gay  more  satisfaction  than  any 
other  feature  of  the  journey  was  the  pleasant  mood  of  Flap- 
pins  as  he  performed  every  act  connected  with  it,  as  if  the 
occasion  were  a  mere  ordinary  one. 

The  direction  pursued  was  northward  instead  of  south, 
for  Flappins  supposed  that  both  armies  had  gone  that  way 
with  the  intention  of  remaining;  and  while  his  first  expe- 
rience in  following  an  army  had  resulted  in  woeful  distress, 
he  hoped  to  do  better  next  time.  He  conceived  the  idea 
of  going  to  Washington  to  hear  all  about  the  war  and  see 
the  great  men  concerned  in  it  operating  on  the  other  side. 
Of  course,  the  mental  condition  of  Saracen  Gay,  when 
fully  explained  as  heretofore,  would  protect  them  from  the 
interference  of  the  authorities,  for  it  was  well  known  that 
not  only  invalids  but  many  radical  Southern  sympathizers 
resided  in  the  national  capital  during  the  war  without 
molestation. 

Besides  the  obstructions  and  hardships  lying  in  wait  for 
the  two  indefatigable  pleasure  seekers  here  in  view,  noth- 
ing appeared  to  them  so  distressing  as  their  inability  to 
relieve  the  wounded.  Frequently  Saracen  Gay  appealed 
to  Flappins  in  most  earnest  tones  to  stop  and  render  all  the 
assistance  in  their  power,  but  as  often  was  he  met  by  the 
remark  that  it  was  impossible 

"  Never  before  did  I  refuse  you,  Saracen,"  said  Flappins 
on  one  occasion,  "but  what  would  become  of  you  if  my 
strength  gave  out?  I  ain't  able  to  do  two  things  at  once. 


260  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

It  goes  without  saying  and  it  goes  to  my  heart  as  well  as 
yours  to  hear  this  awful  state  of  things;  but  I  started  in  to 
save  your  life,  and  I'm  going  through  with  it  before  I  take 
my  hands  off  of  you." 

These  assurances  of  earnestness  and  attachment  kept 
Saracen  Gay  within  manageable  bounds  through  the  most 
trying  ordeal  ever  experienced  by  his  attendant.  When 
the  dread  terrors  of  the  night  seemed  interminable, —  when 
Saracen  Gay  expressed  the  belief  several  times  that  they 
must  succumb  to  the  extraordinary  difficulties  which  beset 
them, —  when  the  air  was  rent  by  the  bellowing  of  the  ox 
as  if  he  instinctively  apprehended  the  distress  prevailing  in 
the  neighborhood, —  the  rain  ceased  suddenly  and  traces 
of  the  dawn  began  to  appear  in  the  east.  Then  Flappins 
called  a  halt  for  the  purpose  of  providing  rest  and  refresh- 
ment for  his  party.  Accustomed  to  travel,  and  having  an 
unlimited  amount  of  resources  at  his  command,  the  man 
found  it  an  easy  matter  to  provide  for  their  wants.  A  com- 
partment under  the  carriage,  containing  provisions  and 
utensils,  fortunately  remained  unbroken ;  but,  apart  from 
this,  Flappins  was  generally  known  and  respected  every- 
where, and  his  demands  for  assistance  willingly  met.  Dur- 
ing the  preparations  for  breakfast  a  gray  color  appeared  in 
the  atmosphere,  as  if  some  ingredients  had  been  insinuated 
into  it  which  had  the  effect  of  dissolving  the  darkness. 
This  gray  tint  rapidly  gave  place  to  one  clearer  and  more 
pronounced ;  objects  became  visible ;  the  vision  was  per- 
mitted to  extend  itself  over  a  vast  territory;  and  the  first 
day  after  the  battle  had  come. 

Saracen  Gay  disengaged  himself  from  the  wraps  provided 
for  him  during  the  night,  and  stepped  lightly  into  the  tem- 
porary camp  selected  by  Flappins.  On  close  calculation, 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  261 

they  had  traveled  about  two  miles.  The  principal  part  of 
the  field  was  behind  them  ;  but  sufficient  evidence  of  the 
conflict  was  still  apparent  on  the  outskirts,  which  they  had 
reached. 

"  The  poor  man  of  Christendom  "  turned  away  from  the 
scene,  whose  features  had  heretofore  given  him  such  dread- 
ful distress,  and  examined  one  by  one  the  several  divisions 
of  his  own  party,  Flappins  did  not  by  any  means  appear 
at  his  best.  The  vanity  of  the  man  had  been  somewhat 
chastened  by  accident  and  severity,  causing  him  to  speak 
less  than  before,  but  to  attend  to  the  business  in  hand  with 
greater  attention.  His  face  had  assumed  a  deep  florid  color, 
both  because  of  the  amount  of  physical  exertion  performed 
on  the  occasion  and  the  effect  of  some  good  whisky  which 
he  occasionally  imbibed.  His  eye  had  not  the  fire  of  yore, 
nor  his  tongue  the  flippancy  peculiar  to  it  before  the  war. 
He  was  erect,  but  his  step  lacked  firmness  and  his  arms  the 
definite  positiveness  one  exhibits  when  conscious  of  possess- 
ing a  full  complement  of  physical  power.  The  carriage 
presented  a  woebegone  and  dilapidated  appearance.  De- 
spoiled of  its  beauty,  curtailed  in  its  proportional  lines, 
tattered,  bent,  patched,  grim  with  the  mud  of  red  earth, 
and  stooping  forward  like  a  person  in  the  last  stage  of  life, 
it  made  the  observer  imagine  its  days  of  usefulness  were 
forever  at  an  end ;  but  when  Saracen  Gay  looked  at  the  ox, 
his  heart  bounded  with  joy.  Oh,  what  a  wonderful  beast 
he  was !  Above  the  usual  height  of  animals  of  his  class,  he 
appeared  to  have  reached  extraordinary  dimensions  in  the 
vision  of  Saracen  Gay.  His  limbs  like  pillars  supporting 
a  huge  body,  it  did  not  appear  as  if  the  labor  performed 
by  him  during  the  night  disturbed  either  the  serenity  of 
his  life  or  the  power  at  his  command.  While  he  stood 


262  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

immovable  at  the  will  of  his  keeper,  the  peaceful  aspect  in 
him  and  around  him  seemed  a  spirit  taken  from  some 
imaginary  shore  where  the  golden  sands  of  the  beach  meet 
the  purple  glow  of  the  evening  to  link  in  one  continuous 
chain  the  glories  of  an  oriental  day  with  the  somber 
grandeur  of  the  night.  In  unison  with  this  idea,  his  eye 
looked  out  on  the  prospect  with  the  calmness  of  a  stoic, 
and  his  breathing  was  soft  and  noiseless  like  the  west  wind 
when  its  passage  through  the  woods  neither  bends  a  bough 
nor  disturbs  a  leaf. 

"Ris,"  said  Saracen  Gay,  addressing  Flappins,  "is  the 
beast  looking  at  anything  in  particular  ?  He  seems  to  be 
taking  it  all  in.  Might  not  he  be  calculating  on  the  num- 
ber of  the  wounded  ?  " 

"  He  might,  for  all  the  good  it  will  do  him,"  answered 
the  man ;  "  but  let  me  tell  you  a  thing  or  two,  Saracen : 
he's  looking  out  for  fodder;  that's  all." 

' '  Everything  is  fodder  to  the  beast, ' '  returned  Saracen 
Gay  reflectively ;  —  to  which  Flappins  replied  : 

"It's  purty  much  that  way  all  over." 

Reminded  of  the  necessity  of  securing  provender  for 
his  uncouth  helper,  Flappins  left  camp  by  an  easy  march 
and  directed  his  steps  towards  a  disabled  wagon  which 
appeared  to  contain  hay.  As  the  objects  mentioned  were 
only  a  short  distance  from  the  starting  point,  Saracen  Gay 
stepped  forward  also  to  accompany  him.  When  about  to 
seize  the  provender  the  friends  were  startled  on  discover- 
ing two  men  on  the  off  side  of  the  wagon  lying  with  their 
faces  downward  and  their  accouterments  strewn  indiscrim- 
inately around  where  they  lay. 

"We're  in  it,  Saracen,"  said  Flappins,  expressing  in 
this  way  his  dissatisfaction  at  the  fact  of  "being  obliged  to 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  263 

turn  away  from  his  legitimate  duties  for  others  which  did 
not  belong  to  him. 

"  They  are  soldiers,"  observed  Saracen  Gay,  seeing  uni- 
forms; but  as  he  was  not  then  acquainted  with  their  colors 
and  character,  he  did  not  know  to  which  government  they 
belonged. 

Flappins,  taking  hold  of  the  larger  man,  turned  him  over 
so  as  to  exhibit  his  features.  It  could  be  seen  immediately 
by  the  rigid  appearance  of  the  body  that  the  man  was  dead ; 
and,  with  an  ominous  exchange  of  glances,  accompanied 
by  corresponding  shakes  of  the  head,  Flappins  turned  his 
attention  to  the  second  case.  This  proved  to  be  quite  a 
little  man,  fortunately  not  dead,  but  disabled  by  wounds. 
When  raised  from  the  ground,  he  was  limp  and  groaned 
piteously.  Flappins  soon  placed  him  in  an  easy  position, 
and,  making  an  examination  for  wounds  such  as  she  had 
been  accustomed  to  do  for  horses  disabled  by  accident, 
found  that  he  had  been  shot  in  several  places,  but  not 
fatally. 

"Carry  him  into  camp,  Ris;  there  is  room  for  one, 
and  by  saving  his  life  you  might  perhaps  compensate  the 
world  for  the  death  of  the  woman,"  said  Saracen  Gay. 

Flappins  smiled  grimly  at  this  allusion,  and,  feeling  how 
just  it  was,  went  to  work  with  a  will  to  transport  the 
wounded  soldier  to  their  camping  ground  and  finish  up  the 
business  of  the  morning.  After  two  hours'  hard  labor  the 
party  was  ready  for  a  new  start.  The  little  man  rescued 
from  the  battlefield  was  resting  comfortably  in  the  carriage 
beside  Saracen  Gay.  Flappins  had  also  a  seat  on  the  front 
part  of  the  vehicle,  but,  with  his  accustomed  energy,  pre- 
ferred to  stand  near  the  head  of  the  ox  as  guide  and  inter- 
preter. In  order  to  quiet  suspicion  and  give  the  public  an 


264  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

idea  of  the  character  of  the  party,  Flappins,  at  the  sugges- 
tion of  Saracen  Gay,  had  drawn  in  large  letters  this  notice, 
which  was  posted  in  front  so  as  to  be  readily  seen  :  "  For 
the  Wounded.  Full."  Flappins  on  his  own  responsibility 
added  the  last  word  as  a  reminder  that  further  applications 
for  relief  would  not  be  entertained.  When  they  reached 
the  highroad  and  movement  in  the  direction  of  Washing- 
ton seemed  fairly  progressive,  Saracen  Gay  began  to  con- 
verse with  his  wounded  charge. 

"  On  which  side  were  you  wounded  ?  "  he  began,  endeav- 
oring by  this  question  to  ascertain  whether  he  belonged  to 
the  Northern  or  Southern  army. 

"  On  both  sides,"  replied  the  soldier,  who,  not  compre- 
hending the  significance  of  Saracen  Gay's  words,  located 
the  seat  of  his  wounds  on  the  right  and  left  sides  respec- 
tively. 

"Ris,  can  you  explain  this  curious  thing  —  how  a  man 
may  fight  for  two  opposing  parties  at  once  ?  ' '  inquired  ' '  the 
poor  man  of  Christendom." 

Flappins,  who  did  not  fully  understand  the  point  at 
issue,  answered  confidently  so  as  to  have  no  further  dispute 
on  it: 

"  It's  as  easy  as  toeing  a  chalk  line,  Saracen.  He  can 
kick  at  one  and  shoot  at  the  other.  Therefore,  when  the 
kick  recoils  on  the  one  hand  and  the  shot  on  the  other,  he's 
wounded  on  both  sides.  Do  you  see?" 

"Oh,  Ris,"  resumed  Saracen  Gay,  "what  a  great  ex- 
pounder of  truth  you  are !  I  could  never  understand  any- 
thing if  you  did  not  give  an  explanation." 

As  it  seemed  a  duty  incumbent  on  him  in  return  for  ben- 
efits received,  the  little  soldier  began  voluntarily  to  recite 
a  short  account  of  himself. 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  265 

"I  was  a  three-months  man,"  he  said,  "and  my  time  is 
out  today.  I  guess  the  war  is  over  for  me.  I  fought 
enough  —  myself  and  my  comrade.  I'll  go  home  and 
think  twice  before  I  leave  it  a  second  time.  Do  you  know 
what  I  did?"  he  continued  excitedly.  "Isold  my  place 
for  about  half  of  what  it  was  worth  in  order  to  be  with  the 
boys  in  the  war.  Every  one  seemed  to  be  going ;  families 
were  broken  up ;  old  residenters  moved  away,  nobody  knew 
where ;  and  a  holy  terror  came  upon  the  balance  that  kept 
them  on  the  watch  as  if  the  end  of  the  world  was  near  at 
hand.  I  lived  at  Council  Bluffs  on  the  crossroads  and  was 
doing  well  with  the  overland  travel.  I  sold  them  trifles  for 
good  money;  it  is  really  so":  and  the  little  man  laughed 
as  he  used  to  do  formerly  when  known  to  the  reader  as 
Crow  Whifton. 

"My  comrade,"  he  continued,  "was  Flanks  Honey- 
bone,  the  night  watchman  at  Omaha.  He  was  fond  of 
taking  a  "spin"  through  the  town  before  going  on  the 
watch,  but  this  last  spin  he  took  in  the  war  was  too  much 
for  him.  Do  you  know  ?  he  was  the  best-natured  man 
there  was  —  brave,  too,  and  a  good  soldier.  We  were  in 
the  same  company,  and  both  fell  wounded  together.  Will 
you  believe  it?  that  man,  my  comrade,  carried  me  off  as 
if  there  was  nothing  the  matter  with  him.  Seeing  the 
wagon,  we  got  shelter  beside  it ;  but  Honeybone  died  in 
the  night,  while  I,  the  weaker  of  the  two,  lived.  He 
raved  a  little  before  he  died.  He  said,  towards  the  last, 
'  Whif,  old  chum,  here's  luck,'  as  if  we  were  again  in 
Omaha  and  he  was  going  to  drink  his  favorite  cocktail. 
It  is  really  so." 

Finding  by  the  gravity  and  attention  of  his  listeners  that 
he  had  interested  them  deeply,  he  continued  : 


266  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

"  The  way  I  sold  my  place  was  odd.  I  gave  it  into  the 
hands  of  agents  to  sell  for  me.  I  spoke  to  my  friends  and 
notified  my  acquaintances ;  but  they  could  not  make  it  go, 
because  real  estate  was  at  bed  rock.  I  did  not  know  what 
to  do  or  which  way  to  turn,  except  to  turn  out  and  aban- 
don my  property,  when  one  day  I  met  a  talkative  woman  in 
Omaha.  The  whole  community  despised  her,  and  I  fol- 
lowed suit,  because,  there  was  not  a  thing  she  heard  but  she 
retailed  around  until  every  one,  gentle  or  simple,  heard  it. 
Well,  sir,  that  woman  just  found  out  that  I  wanted  to  sell  my 
property  at  the  crossroads,  and  she  made  such  a  sensational 
matter  out  of  it  and  of  it  that  in  twenty-four  hours  after  she 
went  on  the  stump  I  got  a  purchaser  !  It  is  really  so." 

Saracen  Gay  and  Flappins  joined  with  Whifton  in  the 
laugh  which  his  story  called  forth.  After  some  further 
conversation  "the  poor  man  of  Christendom"  beckoned 
his  man  to  come  to  his  side  of  the  carriage  so  as  to  have  an 
exchange  of  opinions  on  the  present  situation.  They 
spoke  in  low  tones  so  as  not  to  be  heard  by  the  invalid. 

"Northern  man,  Ris." 

"I  guess  so,  Saracen.'1 

"Kind  of  good  fellow.  I  bet  we  could  get  him  to 
catch  on  to  hypnotism,  although  I  would  not  reckon  on 
him  as  a  ventriloquist." 

"  He  has  the  eye  of  a  hypnotizer,  Saracen.  You  can 
reckon  on  that,  anyway." 

"Tell  me,  Ris,  how  will  it  do  with  us  to  carry  him  into 
Washington?" 

"  It  is  the  best  on  the  cards  if  we  were  looking  out  for  a 
good  thing  twenty  years. ' ' 

"  Really,  Ris,  you  surprise  me.  How  do  you  make  it 
out?" 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  267 

"  It  will  appear  we  have  a  moving  hospital  for  Northern 
soldiers. ' ' 

"Yes,  Ris,  but  how  about  the  South  —  our  own  govern- 
ment, you  know?  Won't  they  think  it  rather  strange  to 
see  us  figure  in  such  company?  " 

"Naw,"  answered  Flappins  with  some  hesitancy,  for  he 
was  considering  in  what  manner  he  could  meet  this  rather 
direct  question.  "'The  poor  man  of  Christendom '  is 
never  bound  by  rules.  He  must  go  where  he  has  a  mind 
to  and  do  what  he  thinks  best.  If  the  South  gets  rattled, 
Saracen,  we'll  take  their  bonds  to  please  'em." 

"Buy  'em  up,  eh?  Ah,  Ris,  you  are  an  estimable 
fellow,  full  of  resources,  and  so  reasonable  that  you  can 
defeat  all  opponents." 

Making  a  motion  of  approbation  to  Saracen  Gay,  Flap- 
pins  withdrew  to  his  post,  and  the  party  settled  down  to 
the  understanding  that  they  were  on  a  difficult  and  tedious 
journey.  It  would  be  inappropriate  here  to  describe  in 
detail  every  incident,  dialogue,  jest,  and  sally  emanating 
from  Saracen  Gay  and  his  party  during  the  period  above 
mentioned,  or  to  dwell  long  on  the  slow  but  steady  pace 
of  the  ox  and  the  indomitable  energy  of  Flappins,  whose 
careful  attention  to  the  wants  of  those  depending  on  him 
made  them  comfortable  and  contented.  After  a  march  of 
seven  days  they  appeared  on  Pennsylvania  Avenue  in 
Washington,  the  greatest  curiosity  offered  the  public  of 
that  time  and  place.  Surrounded  by  a  vast  crowd,  Saracen 
Gay  was  secretly  delighted  with  the  sensation  they  had  thus 
created.  He  said  in  his  simple  way  to  Flappins : 

"Ris,  they  are  hypnotized,  every  one  of  them.  What 
a  great  success  we  are  !  " 

To  which  the  man  replied  : 


268  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

"We  struck  it  rich  this  time,  and  don't  you  forget  it. 
I  would  rather  be  Ris  Flappins  today  than  the  emperor  of 
China  tomorrow." 

A  greater  surprise,  however,  was  reserved  for  Saracen 
Gay  and  Flappins.  When  at  the  height  of  the  popular 
ovation  accorded  them,  for  such  their  reception  seemed  to 
be,  a  man  pushed  through  the  crowd  and  stood  before 
"  the  poor  man  of  Christendom"  as  if  soliciting  recog- 
nition. 

Immediately  Saracen  Gay,  extending  both  hands,  cried 
out  in  evident  self-satisfaction  : 

"  Professor  Furflew !  our  long-lost  friend  and  professional 
brother  !  What  luck  to  meet  you  here  where  your  art  is 
so  manifest  that  Washington  goes  wild  over  it !  Ris, 
look  here." 

Flappins  turned  and  beheld  Furflew  smiling  before  "the 
poor  man  of  Christendom"  with  all  the  zest  of  an  old 
friend  made  happy  by  this  accidental  meeting.  He 
seemed  to  have  improved  very  much,  and  when  he  spoke 
to  them  there  was  an  acquired  accent,  or  tone,  in  his  lan- 
guage which  told  of  a  prosperous  position.  It  would  be 
idle  to  attempt  a  description  of  Flappins'  surprise  and  joy 
on  again  beholding  the  man  from  whom  he  had  gathered 
so  much  fund  and  material  for  amusement.  He  actually 
embraced  him  and  otherwise  gave  evidence  of  his  sincere 
satisfaction  and  the  pleasure  he  derived  from  his  society. 
After  mutual  exchange  of  experiences  since  parting  in  the 
South  the  case  of  Whifton  was  submitted  for  settlement. 
Furflew  volunteered  to  procure  a  team  and  take  him  to  a 
general  hospital,  while  Flappins  would  secure  apartments 
for  Saracen  Gay  and  himself  at  a  comfortable  hotel  until 
fully  recuperated,  having  his  carriage  repaired  at  the  same 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  269 

time.  Thus  in  half  an  hour  after  they  met  they  parted, 
the  necessities  of  the  occasion  requiring  it ;  but  Furflew 
promised  a  good  time  in  the  future,  when  business  engage- 
ments permitted  him  to  rejoin  them. 

When  Flappins  found  a  place  suited  to  his  requirements 
and  Saracen  Gay  was  again  in  genial  quarters,  there  was 
yet  something  to  be  settled ;  namely,  the  disposition  of  the 
ox.  He  was  no  longer  required.  Having  carried  them 
through  a  precarious  period  and  a  dangerous  journey,  they 
must  now  turn  him  off  because  neither  his  personality  nor 
his  manners  were  suitable  for  the  society  they  were  about 
to  enter.  It  was  questionable  if  any  person  would  accept 
him  as  a  present,  or  gift,  and  it  would  be  impossible  to 
return  him  to  the  original  owner.  That  night  while 
Flappins  was  returning  from  a  walk  in  the  purlieus  of  the 
city,  he  heard  two  butchers  talking  about  the  supply  of 
meat  in  the  market.  One  of  them  related  to  the  other  how 
he  was  sometimes  at  a  loss  to  supply  the  demands  of  his 
customers  because,  on  one  fashionable  row  especially, 
everybody  wanted  the  same  kind  of  meat  at  the  same  time. 
This  he  accounted  for  by  saying  that  there  were  two  ladies 
at  the  end  of  the  row  who  led  the  others  first  by  fashion, 
next  in  methods  of  housekeeping,  then  again  by  fads,  and 
finally  in  everything. 

"  When  they  say  'tripe,'  it's  tripe  all  along  the  line," 
he  said.  "Today,"  he  continued,  "it  was  bacon  and 
liver,  but  tomorrow,  mark  you,  they  ask  for  soup  bone.  I 
hain't  got  it;  that's  all." 

/lappins  drew  his  hand  over  his  mouth  like  an  orator 
about  to  address  an  audience.  His  head  was  high  in  the 
air,  as  if  some  new  enterprise  had  bewitched  him  into  an 
unusual  strain  of  vain  thought.  He  made  a  motion  with 


270  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

his  hand  to  signify  that  every  person  coming  at  that 
moment  to  interfere  with  him  or  otherwise  must  be  kept 
back,  and,  stepping  lightly  up  to  the  butcher  who  had  just 
spoken,  made  some  proposition  to  him  which  could  not 
be  overheard.  The  man  looked  up  sharply  at  Flap- 
pins,  turned  his  head  so  as  to  revolve  the  problem  a  few 
minutes  in  it,  then  bent  his  gaze  on  the  ground  and  an- 
swered : 

"I'll  see  him." 

An  hour  afterwards  the  faithful  ox  which  had  carried 
Saracen  Gay  and  his  party  to  Washington  was  conducted 
by  the  butcher  to  his  slaughterhouse.  What  happened  to 
him  there  need  not  be  mentioned  openly ;  but,  by  infer- 
ence from  the  conversation  of  Flappins  with  the  butcher 
aforesaid,  his  fate  was  one  to  be  deplored.  Saracen  Gay, 
who  was  tender-hearted,  would  never  have  sanctioned  this 
summary  disposal  of  the  ox,  especially  as  he  had  probably 
saved  his  life ;  and  even  with  Flappins,  matter-of-fact  man 
as  he  was,  the  recollection  of  the  transaction  haunted  him 
during  the  night  until  he  groaned  with  anguish ;  but  he 
managed  to  ease  his  conscience  by  remembering  how 
uncertain  all  things  are  in  a  world  of  circumstances  con- 
tinually passing  away  —  and  why  not  the  ox  ?  When 
questioned  next  day  as  to  his  intentions  regarding  the 
beast,  his  replies  were  more  or  less  evasive. 

"  I  found  a  fashionable  quarter  for  him,  Saracen,  where 
the  good  he  does  will  be  appreciated.  Gentility  knows 
what  to  do  with  a  fellow  of  that  kind.  It  don't  stop  at 
half  measures,  you  bet.  He'll  be  taken  care  of,  and, 
besides,  he  is  off  our  hands." 

"  And  how  are  you  going  to  treat  your  relative  for  his 
loss?"  inquired  Saracen  Gay. 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  271 

"I'll  send  the  price  paid  me  for  him  as  restitution 
money,  but  never  tell  who  did  the  stealing.  Nor,"  he 
added  to  himself  mentally,  "  will  it  ever  leak  out,  if  I 
know  myself,  that  he  supplied  some  of  the  high-toned 
people  of  Washington  with  soup  bone. 


F 


CHAPTER  XX. 

THE  IDEAL  AND  THE  REAL. 

URFLEVV  and  Whifton,  brought  together  through 
the  instrumentality  of  Saracen  Gay,  soon  became 
fast  friends.  It  was  found  at  the  hospital  to  which  Whif- 
ton had  been  conveyed  that  his  wounds  were  not  serious. 
During  the  first  week  of  his  detention  under  medical  treat- 
ment Furflew  came  to  see  him  daily,  thus  affording  each  an 
opportunity  of  relating  a  portion  of  his  history  to  the  other 
as  a  means  of  entertainment  while  the  visit  lasted.  It  may 
be  readily  imagined,  therefore,  how  soon  the  fate  of  Heron- 
dine  became  known  to  Whifton ;  for  to  Furflew,  who 
related  it,  the  capture  of  his  chief  and  his  own  perilous 
escape  were  the  most  thrilling  incidents  of  his  career. 
Whifton  appeared  unusually  agitated  on  hearing  the  ac- 
count. He  questioned  his  companion  closely  about  the 
arrest,  and  volunteered  the  opinion  that  he  knew  the 
aggressors,  or  those  concerned  in  it  on  the  opposite  side. 
These  opinions  led  him  into  a  description  of  the  events 
that  transpired  about  the  time  of  Herondine's  appearance 
in  Omaha,  omitting,  of  course,  such  facts  as  related  to  his 
own  copartnership  with  Hamilton  Hitch  and  the  affection 
for  Grace  Finnestare. 

But  there  was  more  than  these  called  up  in  Whifton's 
mind  by  Furflew's  information.     The  image  of  his  ideal 


272  V.V  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

love  burst  again  on  his  imagination  with  her  classic  beauty 
magnified  and  the  sweetness  which  characterized  her  life 
modulated  so  as  to  enter  his  soul  like  sunbeams  on  a  dreary 
waste.  He  pictured  her  weeping  while  in  dire  distress 
over  her  husband's  dangerous  position,  and  every  fiber  of 
his  heart  responded  sympathetically,  as  if  the  touch  of  a 
divine  power  had  awakened  them  into  action.  His  medi- 
tations, like  the  vision  of  a  dream,  may  not  have  covered 
any  extended  period  of  time  in  the  presence  of  Furflew, 
but  the  few  moments  spent  with  his  lov.e  in  this  manner 
were  as  full  of  pleasure  as  years  of  ordinary  bliss  to  other 
mortals.  The  fancy  which  had  first  amused  him  grew  in 
his  mind  with  time  until  now  it  filled  the  whole  current 
of  his  life  with  blissful  satisfaction.  His  passion  had  not 
the  sting  of  unrequited  love,  because,  fortunately  for  him, 
he  never  permitted  reality  to  interrupt  the  tenor  of  his 
daydream  or  sought  practical  love-making  with  the  object 
of  his  affection.  Therefore  there  was  no  climax  where 
disappointment  came  in  with  fulfillment,  but  a  continuous 
feeling  of  happy  thought  that  nourished  his  life  like  the 
sun  the  flower  in  places  inaccessible  to  man.  He  had  set 
the  gauge  for  the  love  of  his  heart,  knowing  it  to  be  best, 
and  held  to  its  dictates.  No  doubt  there  was  some  partic- 
ular time  or  place  or  circumstance  that  taught  him  this 
extraordinary  caution — some  instant,  when  standing  near 
Grace  Finnestare  or  beholding  her  conversing  with  an 
imaginary  rival,  when  his  heart  threatened  to  break  on 
account  of  the  wounding  of  his  feelings  through  the  instru- 
mentality of  the  situation.  Hence  he  had  selected  the 
ideal  as  being  far  more  agreeable  to  him  than  the  real, 
however  much  the  latter  suited  other  people.  He  would 
forever  love  his  love  at  a  distance.  On  the  present  occa- 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  273 

eion  he  was  anxious  to  compare  this  condition  of  his 
affections  with  lhat  of  his  companion  Furflew,  who  had 
incidentally  mentioned  he  was  a  married  man. 

"The  strange  way  that  I'm  fixed,"  said  Whifton,  "is 
this:  I'm  married  and  not  married.  It  is  really  so." 

"  Gracious  !  how  odd !  "  rejoined  Furflew.  "  Spliced, 
eh  ?  and  disjinted  at  the  same  time  !  " 

"To  bring  it  up  to  the  higher  grades  of  language," 
continued  Whifton,  "I  hold  the  ideal  but  not  the  tan- 
gible." 

Furflew  burst  into  loud  laughter  at  the  thoughts  this 
language  evoked,  although  he  did  not  understand  its  real 
significance.  It  was  its  odd  character  that  made  him 
laugh. 

Whifton  resumed : 

"I  love  a  woman  I  do  not  want  to  marry  or  even 
approach."  • 

Furflew  became  more  serious  on  understanding  the 
mental  condition  of  his  friend,  and  inquired: 

' '  Why  do  you  love  at  all  ?  " 

"It  is  comfortable  and  salubrious,"  answered  Whifton. 
"  The  human  heart  must  love  something.  I  have  selected 
a  beautiful  lady  for  my  choice.  What  matters  it  whether 
she  is  near  me  or  at  a  distance,  married  or  single,  if  I  keep 
the  secret  within  my  own  heart.  Thousands  worship  idols; 
others  adore  spirits  that  have  no  existence.  I  improve  on 
both ;  I  have  an  idol  and  a  spirit  combined  in  one.  A 
man  follows  his  spiritual  nature,  or  the  animal,  and  some- 
times struggles  to  keep  after  both.  From  being  a  beast  he 
aspires  to  be  a  god.  Why  not  put  on  the  garb  of  a  god  at 
the  start,  and  hold  to  it.  I  only  nursed  the  thought  of  my 
love  until  it  grew  to  be  a  companion.  It  was  united  to 


274  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

me.  This  was  the  marriage  part.  Afterwards  my  life  was 
like  a  summer's  day.  I  was  delighted  with  that  which  had 
all  blissful  sensations  and  no  recriminations.  Through  all 
kinds  of  weather  the  lovely  form  presented  to  my  mind  was 
the  same, —  soothing,  lovable,  and  godlike.  In  dreams 
she  visited  me.  In  the  imagination  we  roamed  over  fragrant 
fields,  through  gardens  of  flowers,  and  even  went  into  the 
clouds  following  the  path  of  the  sun." 

"  Oh  !  "  exclaimed  Furflew,  "  what  a  gay  old  time  you 
had!" 

"I  was  content,"  continued  Whifton, — "as  happy  as  if 
it  were  really  so.  Moreover,  I  was  good.  It  saved  me 
from  the  gross  world.  It  lengthened  my  period  of  hope, 
like  a  man  in  distress  thinking  of  home  so  as  to  collect  a 
moiety  of  comfort  by  that  means.  The  longer  I  remained 
faithful  to  my  love,  the  better  it  was  for  me ;  and  a  most 
singular  thing  about  it  was  this:  it  Icept  old  maids  and 
sporting  widows  from  throwing  dust  in  my  eyes." 

Furflew  laughed  hysterically  at  the  success  indicated  in 
this  speech. 

"You  had  an  open  switch  somewhere  that  threw  them 
off  the  regular  track,"  he  said  humorously.  "  It  was  good 
enough  for  'em.  See  here,  Whif,  I'm  blessed  if  I  can  make 
out  anything  in  yours  but  nothing.  I  ain't  posted  in  spirit- 
ualism or  noculation,  and  don't  go  a  cent  on  things  that  can't 
be  seen  with  the  naked  eye ;  but  I'll  give  you  a  dead  pointer 
all  the  same:  that  there  plan  of  yours  to  keep  the  flies  off 
of  you  and  make  you  a  single  man  the  balance  of  your  life 
is  worth  seventeen  marriages  all  told,  best  or  worst." 

Here  Furflew  began  a  narrative  of  his  experience  as  a 
married  man  that  held  Whifton  spellbound  for  an  hour  or 
more  by  its  harrowing  features  and  dreadful  endurance. 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  275 

Furflew's  story  reiterated  the  account  of  the  hideous 
deformity  or  evil  associated  with  the  human  family  of 
unhappy  marriages  due  principally  to  incompatibility  of 
temper  and  the  variety  of  opinions  of  individuals  brought 
together  as  husbands  and  wives.  Whifton  lent  his  ear  to 
its  details  as  if  listening  to  the  voice  of  an  oracle  in  the 
recesses  of  the  earth,  whose  significance  included  some 
startling  revelation.  What  he  had  heard,  therefore,  about 
two  hearts  becoming  one,  in  a  large  number  of  cases  was  a 
myth.  All  that  had  been  said  through  the  ages  of  time 
concerning  the  blissful  state  of  wedlock  was  not  true,  but 
merely  the  formal  declaration  of  opinions  and  recommen- 
dations designed  to  uphold  a  system  which  was  supposed  to 
be  necessary  for  the  preservation  of  the  human  race.  Of 
course  it  would  be  idle  as  well  as  unjust  to  deduce  these 
conclusions  from  one  case,  but  Whifton  called  to  his  aid 
the  observation  of  his  entire  life  down  to  the  statement 
made  by  Furflew  and  every  item  noted  corresponded  with 
his  reflections.  The  civil  law  had  been  employed  to  sanc- 
tion this  system.  Heaven  and  earth  and  the  powers  thereof 
were  invoked  as  witnesses  of  the  contract  binding  husband 
and  wife  together  for  a  lifetime  whether  their  after  conduct 
to  each  other  justified  such  association  or  not.  Alas  for 
the  ignorance  of  human  invention  and  domination !  the 
multitudes  that  have  gone  to  the  grave  heartbroken,  disap- 
pointed, cheerless,  hopeless,  despairing  of  finding  solace 
anywhere,  victims  of  an  ironbound  rule  which  held  them 
in  abject  misery,  and  viewing  the  approach  of  death  with 
supreme  satisfaction,  bear  testimony  to  the  fallacious  basis 
on  which  the  institution  was  founded.  It  is  not  sufficient 
to  proclaim,  "  What  God  has  joined  together  let  no  man 
put  asunder,"  because  division,  not  unity,  is  the  higher 


276  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

law.  Personality  —  individuality  —  is  the  design  of  the 
Supreme  Power.  Freedom  from  crime,  freedom  from 
bondage  in  any  shape  or  form,  is  the  natural  inheritance 
of  all  persons  qualified  to  observe  the  dictates  of  law.  So 
soon,  therefore,  as  any  individual  usurps  the  legitimate  free- 
dom or  peace  or  comfort  of  another,  the  terms  of  the  con- 
tract between  them  are  no  longer  binding,  judging  from  a 
logical  standpoint.  No  rule  regarding  or  enforcing  the 
continuous  unity  of  persons  by  marriage,  their  dispositions, 
feelings,  etc.,  can  apply  to  more  than  a  moiety  of  man- 
kind, because  they  cannot  be  induced  to  agree.  Therefore 
the  married  state  should  be  classified,  or  consist  of  degrees, 
the  highest  being  the  one  espoused  by  those  who  select  to 
live  together  through  a  lifetime;  but  the  civil  law  should 
legalize  contracts  of  marriage  for  stated  periods  and  make 
their  issue  legitimate.  In  laying  down  rules  for  the  regu- 
lation or  government  of  the  people,  men  err  most  in  trying 
to  obtain  too  much  from  the  operation  of  a  single  law, 
where  such  regulation  should  have  been  controlled  by  many. 
Furflew's  experience  was  an  aggravated  one.  He  was 
unfortunate  in  becoming  the  fourth  husband  of  a  woman 
who  had  long  learned  to  be  self-willed  and  adhere  strictly 
to  the  bent  of  her  own  ideas,  never  tolerating  the  opinions 
of  anyone  else.  Therefore  when  Furflew  came  to  live  with 
her,  incompatibility  at  once  became  apparent  between 
them.  She  found  his  methods  faulty,  ridiculed  his  reason- 
ings, spurned  the  suggestions  he  made,  and  derided  his 
efforts  as  those  of  a  fool.  While  Furflew  eulogized  ven- 
triloquism, his  wife  scoffed  at  it  as  the  work  of  a  mounte- 
bank; nay,  the  secrets  of  his  profession,  such  as  it  was, 
were  revealed  for  the  entertainment  of  her  visitors,  and  his 
future  designs  exposed  broadcast  to  the  criticism  of  a  sneer- 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  ••-- 

ing  world.  Every  aspiration  he  had  previously  entertained 
concerning  wedded  bliss,  every  felicitous  dream  of  comfort 
and  easy  circumstances  and  the  decline  of  an  honorable 
life  soothed  by  the  loving  words  of  a  gentle  companion, 
fled  precipitately  from  his  mind  like  dead  leaves  before  the 
angry  blasts  of  winter.  From  being  contemptuous  she 
turned  to  scolding  Whatever  genius  he  possessed  was 
neutralized  by  the  cross  fire  of  her  words,  his  ambition 
crushed,  his  hopes  dissipated ;  and  life  itself  became  a 
burden.  For  a  long  time  his  acts  were  circumscribed  to 
suit  her  notions,  so  as  to  establish  some  kind  of  peace,  but 
his  endeavors  in  this  direction  only  seemed  to  aggravate 
the  virulence  of  her  temper.  If  he  moved  in  her  presence, 
it  was  accounted  a  crime,  or  rather  a  trespass  on  her  dig- 
nity ;  if  he  spoke,  it  was  said  to  be  presumption.  Hence 
he  became  motionless  in  the  one  case  and  dumb  in  the 
other.  He  resembled  a  person  destined  soon  to  occupy  a 
tomb.  This  became  more  apparent  as  he  sat  for  hours 
statuelike  with  folded  hands  and  eyes  fixed  on  vacancy. 
He  could  no  longer  meet  men  with  a  smile.  When  he 
visited  public  resorts,  he  sneaked  through  back  lanes  and 
dark  alleys,  the  slums  of  the  town  where  the  scenery  and 
surroundings  harmonized  with  his  thoughts.  Although 
the  beauty  of  external  nature  hurt  him  not,  yet  he  could 
not  behold  it  with  delight.  His  vision  even  had  become 
vitiated,  his  appreciation  warped,  and  his  love  of  the 
beautiful  overwhelmed  in  the  vortex  of  her  vituperation. 

Furflew's  description  of  his  troubles  was  not  choice. 
The  flow  of  his  expletives  and  vile  epithets  resembled  a 
torrent  made  furious  by  a  rainstorm.  He  raved  as  if  in  a 
fever,  because  heretofore  the  memory  of  his  married  life 
had  been  purposely  sealed  up  so  as  to  permit  him  to  enjoy 


278  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

ordinary  existence.  When  the  contemplation  of  it  did 
come,  however,  with  Whifton  as  listener  and  sympathizer, 
all  the  dormant  anger  of  his  nature  was  set  loose  to  play 
for  the  time  being  in  one  terrific  scene  of  which  he  was 
the  presiding  demon.  He  foamed  at  the  mouth ;  and  the 
wild  glare  in  his  eyes  turned  red  in  the  tempest  of  his 
passion,  like  a  warning  light  in  the  darkness  on  a  danger- 
ous coast.  Sometimes  he  became  amusing  when  dilating 
on  her  carelessness  and  eccentricities.  The  gifts  he  had 
given  her  on  their  wedding  day  were  misused  mercilessly. 
The  silver  fish  knife  she  employed  as  a  poker ;  the  spoons 
found  their  way  into  the  ash  barrel ;  and  his  picture,  of 
which  he  was  proud,  became  the  cover  of  a  boiler  that 
forced  the  outline  of  his  personality  to  vanish  with  the  out- 
going steam.  Everywhere  in  their  home  there  was  evi- 
dence of  the  destructiveness  above  outlined.  The  door 
handles  were  broken  off,  the  window  curtains  torn,  old 
clothes  scattered  over  the  chairs ;  there  were  not  half  a 
dozen  unbroken  teacups  in  the  house ;  the  carving  knife 
was  permitted  to  rust  in  the  sink  ;  the  dust  to  accumulate 
on  the  walls ;  and  even  the  bars  of  the  iron  grate  in  the 
stove  were  twisted  out  of  place  as  if  some  force  as  strong  as 
dynamite  had  been  employed  in  the  work.  Notwithstand- 
ing her  age  and  experience,  Mrs.  Furflew  flirted  ;  indeed, 
she  seemed  to  think  it  as  necessary  towards  maintaining  a 
cheerful  disposition  as  pomatum  for  the  hair;  and,  singular 
as  it  may  appear,  she  rarely  selected  a  superior-looking 
individual,  but  any  man  in  sight.  •  In  economy  she  was 
nowhere,  always  selecting  the  less  for  the  greater,  losing 
heavily  at  every  purchase.  She  loved  society,  loved  to  be 
the  leading  figure  on  parade  under  the  lamps  of  a  drawing- 
room  and  the  most  conspicuous  talker  in  a  crowd  of  women, 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  279 

ruling  others  out  of  place  better  qualified  than  she  for  the 
work,  and  far  more  becoming.  Sometimes  affectation 
appeared  in  her  language  to  an  alarming  extent,  causing 
Furflew,  if  present,  to  look  up  as  if  he  had  heard  the  re- 
port of  a  decline  in  stocks  or  the  warning  of  a  rattlesnake. 
It  was  then  he  fully  understood  what  his  mother  had  once 
told  him  about  marriage.  Hearing  him  speak  of  wedlock 
as  a  condition  he  would  wish  to  espouse,  she  said  : 

"And  so,  my  son,  you  desire  to  begin  the  troubles  of 
the  world?" 

"To  begin  the  troubles  of  the  world!  "  repeated  Fur- 
flew  in  astonishment.  "I  thought  I  would  be  about  over 
'em  when  I  got  married." 

"O  no,  my  dear,"  responded  the  mother;  "troubles 
never  really  appear  until  you  have  a  wife." 

Still  he  ventured,  and  purchased  his  experience  like  a 
little  man  ;  but,  behold,  he  was  beginning  to  think  he  had 
had  enough  of  it. 

Mrs.  Furflew  hated  to  move  anything  out  of  her  way, 
such  as  an  article  of  furniture  or  other  material.  If  a  chair, 
for  instance,  happened  to  stand  in  an  open  doorway,  she 
would  prefer  to  squeeze  herself  through  the  narrowed 
passage  a  dozen  times  rather  than  remove  the  obstruction. 
In  like  manner  did  she  treat  pans,  buckets,  spoons,  or 
gloves  left  on  the  floor.  Instead  of  picking  them  up,  she 
would  march  in  a  circle  around  them  or  describe  an  angle 
of  forty-five  degrees  through  the  apartment,  thus  causing 
her  much  inconvenience  and  loss  of  time. 

The  last  occasion  Furflew  had  of  witnessing  an  exhibition 
of  this  kind  was  on  a  Sunday  afternoon  while  his  wife  was 
dressed  in  her  best  clothes.  Furflew  observed  the  rolling- 
pin  lying  on  the  floor  in  his  wife's  way  a  short  distance 


280  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

from  the  kitchen  stove.  Notwithstanding  its  dangerous 
propensity  to  roll  if  pressed  from  above,  the  woman  heeded 
not  its  presence,  but  as  usual  avoided  it  as  much  as  possible 
by  the  circuitous  or  angular  passage.  On  the  occasion  here 
noted  her  movements  were  rapid.  No  doubt  the  glamour  of 
dress  animated  her  and  produced  an  unusual  buoyancy  of 
spirits  which  accelerated  her  locomotion.  Furflew  knew 
in  his  heart  she  would  not  resort  to  the  better  alternative  of 
removing  the  rolling-pin  to  its  proper  place,  and  began  to 
speculate  on  what  was  likely  to  happen  as  a  result  of  her 
carelessness.  Twice  she  touched  the  end  of  it  with  the  tip 
of  her  boot,  causing  the  culinary  article  to  spin  out  each 
time  nearer  the  direct  line  of  her  movements.  Furflew  saw 
the  danger  increasing,  but  instead  of  withdrawing  the  source 
of  it  or  giving  his  wife  a  word  of  warning,  he  pretended  to 
be  engaged  otherwise,  knowing  full  well  his  recommen- 
dation would  be  scoffed  at  as  so  much  miserable  drivel 
unworthy  of  notice  ;  but  his  interest  in  the  scene  continued 
to  be  deep  and  absorbing.  The  rolling-pin  seemed  to 
invite  pressure.  It  would  turn  gently  when  touched,  as  if 
for  convenience  sake,  expecting  the  foot  of  the  woman  to 
follow  its  movement,  then  stop  in  an  attractive  position 
wooing  expectation.  At  last  the  opportunity  came.  Mrs. 
Furflew,  in  one  of  her  sudden  visits  to  the  stove,  tried 
the  soup.  It  had  been  boiling  some  time  and  gave  out  a 
delicious  odor  quite  in  keeping  with  mutton  bone,  celery, 
and  minced  cabbage  leaf.  Just  as  she  turned  from  the 
stove  and  was  recrossing  the  floor,  she  applied  a  table- 
spoonful  of  the  hot  soup  to  her  lips.  In  an  instant  she 
felt  she  had  committed  an  indiscretion.  Nay,  more ;  the 
nervous  shock  produced  by  the  scalding  liquid  in  her 
mouth  contracted  her  right  leg  for  an  instant,  then  forced 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  281 

her  foot  to  the  floor.  Alas !  the  spasmodic  effort  only 
precipitated  new  disasters.  The  sole  of  her  boot  came 
directly  on  the  rolling-pin.  She  leaned  heavily  on  its 
smooth  but  unstable  surface,  and  away  she  went !  There 
was  a  shriek,  a  rustle  of  clothing  along  the  floor  like  the 
sound  of  a  gust  of  wind,  a  gurgling  noise  in  the  woman's 
throat,  a  crack  of  the  left  knee  (this  member  having  re- 
mained stationary  while  the  other  one  was  carried  with 
the  implement  above  named),  a  bending  or  swaying  of  the 
person  as  when  a  mountain  topples,  then  a  fall  that  shook 
the  house,  and  Mrs.  Furflew  measured  her  length  on  the 
floor. 

It  was  a  supreme  moment,  and  Furflew  caught  its  inspira- 
tion. He  arose  from  his  seat,  then  burst  into  laughter  long 
and  loud.  He  could  not  control  the  desire  to  be  merry, 
although  he  knew  the  exhibition  of  it  in  the  manner  here 
mentioned  would  bring  his  matrimonial  career  to  an  end  if 
it  did  not  break  every  bone  in  his  body.  Therefore  he 
exulted  as  one  about  to  sail  on  a  beautiful  sea  bound  for  a 
happy  destiny  on  some  foreign  shore.  Nay,  when  the  wife 
glared  at  him  while  yet  down,  thus  bringing  his  audacity 
to  task,  he  laughed  the  more  intensely;  but  when  his 
merriment  ended  he  fled  from  his  home  never  to  return. 
The  time  was  propitious  for  flight,  and  the  man  embraced 
the  opportunity,  doubtless  having  previously  determined  on 
such  action.  The  ties  that  bound  him  he  severed  without 
remorse,  regardless  of  civil  law  or  usage,  because  he  thought 
a  higher  one  having  greater  regard  for  his  individual  hap- 
piness took  precedence  of  the  others  and  bent  his  will  to 
its  demands.  Like  the  first  man,  the  world  was  all  before 
him.  He  would  again  freely  cultivate  the  genius  which  he 
felt  was  his,  and  make  merry  over  it  without  being  subject 


282  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

to  a  scolding.  His  ventriloquism  would  flourish  as  of  yore ; 
sleight  of  hand  also  would  bring  him  some  compensation, 
and  trick  of  the  loop  fascinate  its  quota  of  gamesters  at 
public  fairs  and  on  the  race  track. 

This,  in  substance,  was  the  burden  of  the  complaint 
made  by  Furflew  in  the  hearing  of  Whifton.  It  brought 
the  little  man  to  reflect  seriously  on  the  several  phases  of 
married  life  and  contrast  them  with  his  own  condition, 
doubtless  enabling  him  to  come  to  the  conclusion  that  he 
had  selected  the  better  part. 

"I  would  like  to  ask  you  one  question,  Professor,"  said 
Whifton,  "just  out  of  curiosity  and  good  nature.  What 
dish,  for  instance,  was  most  served  to  you  the  winters  you 
lived  with  that  woman  ?  ' ' 

"  Cold  tongue,"  promptly  replied  Furflew,  while  a  smile 
played  around  his  lips  as  if  he  were  perpetrating  a  joke. 

"Pooh!"  resumed  his  companion,  "it  is  a  favorite 
joint  with  me  when  I'm  at  home." 

"Ah,  comrade,"  returned  Furflew,  "yours  was  taken 
naturally  from  the  head  of  a  steer,  while  mine  was  flayed 
off  the  tongue  of  a  serpent.  Don' t  you  see  the  difference  ?  ' ' 

Whifton  nodded  assent  with  a  laugh,  and  the  subject 
dropped.  It  was  felt  that  the  requirements  of  the  present 
and  future  were  demanding  the  unreserved  attention  of  the 
men,  the  services  of  both  being  needed;  and,  from  the 
language  expressed  by  each,  it  was  certain  the  work  before 
them  bore  an  arduous  character.  Furflew,  having  lost  the 
leadership  of  Herondine,  was  now  under  orders  to  report 
for  duty  at  Saint  Louis  with  the  secret  service  men  at  that 
point,  thus  removing  him  to  a  new  field  of  operations.  In 
regard  to  his  former  chief,  the  authorities  in  Washington 
would  do  all  in  their  power  to  rescue  him  from  the  clutches 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  283 

of  his  enemies,  probably  by  exchange  for  a  Southern  pris- 
oner, like  those  captured  in  battle.  The  man  also  explained 
to  Whifton  that  he  had  furnished  Herondine's  family  in 
New  York  a  full  account  of  his  capture  and  carrying  off 
from  the  field,  thus  practically  disposing  of  the  case  so  far 
as  he,  Furflew,  was  concerned,  although  regretting  exceed- 
ingly Herondine's  absence  and  misfortune. 

In  a  few  days  after  these  interviews  had  taken  place, 
Furflew  withdrew  to  make  his  final  preparations  for  depart- 
ure, and  Whifton  was  left  companionless.  His  further 
detention  in  the  hospital,  however,  was  inconsiderable, 
occupying  only  about  seven  or  eight  days.  During  this 
time  it  was  noticed  that  Whifton  meditated  deeply  on 
some  subject  of  great  importance  in  his  own  estimation. 
On  his  countenance  there  could  be  discerned  sadness 
mingled  with  the  gravity  of  investigation.  His  little 
breast  would  frequently  protrude  itself  while  he  gazed  into 
vacancy  as  if  there  had  come  into  his  calculations  a  noble 
plan  or  design  worthy  of  a  taller  man.  Subsequent  to  his 
leaving  the  hospital  he  was  seen  about  the  offices  where 
discharged  soldiers  received  a  settlement  of  their  accounts 
or  final  statements.  He  was  also  seen  to  enter  the  White 
House,  probably  to  solicit  some  privilege  in  the  gift  of  the 
President.  Then  he  disappeared. 


CHAPTER  XXI. 

THE   AFFINITY    OF    EVIL. 

THE  career  of  Hamilton  Hitch  in  the  South  continued 
to   tend   upwards.      From   the   detective   agency, 
where  he  had  rendered  valuable  service,  he  succeeded  to  a 


284  /.V  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

judgeship.  The  court  over  which  he  was  appointed  to 
preside,  however,  did  not  appear  to  be  one  of  the  superior 
kind,  or,  for  the  matter  of  that,  regular  in  any  sense  of  the 
word,  but  an  innovation  or  a  creation  designed  to  meet 
the  necessities  of  the  times — *in  fact,  what  might  be  called 
a  court  of  exigency.  War  had  carried  with  it  a  class  of 
offenders  peculiar  to  itself,  requiring  ulterior  means  of 
conviction  or  punishment.  These  offenders  were  the  spies 
of  the  enemy.  Their  energy,  intrepidity,  and  dangerous 
capacity  for  discovering  plots  and  plans  for  the  informa- 
tion of  their  friends  made  them  objects  of  detestation  to 
their  foes.  Indeed,  the  spies  employed  by  both  sides  were 
deemed  worthy  of  receiving  the  swiftest  and  most  unmiti- 
gating  vengeance  possible  in  the  hands  of  their  captors. 
Many  of  them  were  hanged  in  the  open  field  without  trial, 
while  occasionally  individuals  of  the  profession  met  death 
in  this  way  on  mere  suspicion.  As  the  period  of  the  war 
began  to  extend  itself,  the  punishment  meted  out  to  spies 
was  systematized.  Men  were  too  much  engaged  with  their 
duties  as  soldiers  to  stop  to  consider  the  guilt  or  innocence 
of  a  supposed  spy,  and  hence  a  large  number  of  these  so- 
called  criminals  were  sent  to  central  points  and  given  the 
semblance  of  a  trial.  Thus  the  courts  of  exigency  sprang 
into  existence  almost  instantaneously,  like  drinking  booths 
on  a  race  course  or  flambeaus  around  the  entrance  to  a 
circus. 

It  was  somewhere  in  the  suburbs  of  Richmond  that  one 
of  these  courts  was  established  about  the  time  above  de- 
scribed. For  obvious  reasons  the  name  of  the  situation  is 
omitted,  as,  to  tell  the  truth,  the  great  majority  of  the 
population  of  the  city  knew  nothing  whatever  of  its  exist- 
ence, if  it  really  had  one.  At  first  it  was  thought  impossi- 


THE  FIRST  DECREE.  285 

ble  to  secure  the  services  of  a  man  with  sufficient  nerve  to 
occupy  the  bench  of  this  court,  for,  be  it  remembered,  it 
had  been  set  apart  for  a  special  purpose  such  as  must  neces- 
sarily shock  the  senses  of  most  people;  but  when  Hamilton 
Hitch  was  studied  up  and  became  fully  known,  the  diffi- 
cult problem  was  solved.  The  necessity  of  hanging  brave 
men  otherwise  guiltless  of  crime  was  a  stupendous  evil; 
but,  virulent  as  it  appeared  to  be,  it  had  an  affinity  in 
Hamilton  Hitch.  When  the  proposition  was  made  to  him 
he  smiled  an  acquiescence  that  left  no  doubt  of  the  result. 
Even  the  desperate  men  associated  with  him  in  the  under- 
taking felt  instinctively  they  had  secured  the  right  man. 
Nor  did  he  disappoint  their  expectations  in  the  least  de- 
gree when  he  assumed  control  of  the  situation.  Many  a 
turbulent  character  with  a  heart  as  strong  as  that  of  a  lion 
blanched  on  hearing  his  decisions.  Many  a  proud  soul 
condemned  to  death  by  him  on  the  most  trifling  evidence 
wondered  that  creative  powers  should  ever  attempt  the 
production  of  such  a  beast.  No  man  placed  on  trial  as  a 
spy  in  his  court  ever  escaped.  Before  the  sun  which  wit- 
nessed his  condemnation  marked  again  the  meridian  line, 
he  was  a  corpse.  So  steadfastly  did  the  new  judge  adhere 
to  the  death  roll  that  the  attendants  of  the  court  gave 
him  the  sobriquets  of  "  Never  fail "  and  "Black  Ham." 
Within  the  lines  of  his  jurisdiction  his  power  was  absolute. 
He  may  or  may  not  have  kept  a  record  of  the  business  of 
his  court ;  but  generally  sober-minded  men  shut  their  eyes 
and  closed  their  ears  to  it  lest  its  hideous  nature  should 
deprive  them  of  sleep  or  produce  some  disease  of  the  brain. 
Sometimes  a  dreamer  awoke  at  the  midnight  hour  to  hear, 
the  heavy  rumbling  of  a  vehicle  in  the  street  leading  to  the 
suburbs,  little  suspecting  that  it  contained  prisoners — spies 


286  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

destined  to  appear  before  ''Judge  Neverfail."  It  was  their 
last  journey ;  and  the  ominous  sounds  coupled  with  the 
time  and  place  were  indicative  of  some  cruel  disaster 
seething  in  the  depths  of  night. 

In  proportion  to  the  success  of  the  Southern  arms  the 
boldness  and  unscrupulous  methods  of  Hamilton  Hitch 
increased,  as  if  he  felt  unlimited  power  coming  to  him  from 
the  genius  of  evil  which  he  had  ever  obeyed  so  as  to  enable 
him  to  slay  without  mercy  as  many  others  opposed  to  him 
and  his  set  as  came  within  the  boundaries  of  his  jurisdic- 
tion. The  place  assigned  to  him,  in  which  were  situated 
a  so-called  court  and  offices,  seemed  to  harmonize  with  the 
spirit  of  the  man.  It  was  near  the  grounds  where  gulches, 
ravines,  and  ruts  abounded,  and  the  charred  stems  of  partly 
fallen  trees.  The  buildings  were  low  wooden  structures, 
erected  prospectively  for  stables  for  cavalry  but  subse- 
quently divided  into  apartments  suited  to  their  present 
purposes.  The  dimensions  of  the  court  were  not  more 
than  fifty  feet  long  by  forty  feet  wide,  with  a  strong  wooden 
bench  at  one  end  and  a  few  old  seats  in  the  center  and  at 
the  sides.  It  had  a  low  ceiling.  The  wooden  lining  above 
and  on  the  walls  remained  unpainted,  and  the  dim  light 
coming  through  a  few  small  windows  gave  a  sepulchral 
aspect  to  the  place  that  at  first  sight  made  itself  felt.  The 
court  was  not  calculated  to  accommodate  many  people,  and 
the  sessions  were  not  long.  Besides  the  rooms  occupied  by 
attendants  and  guards  there  was  a  row  of  cells  for  prisoners 
designated  the  jail.  Behind  these  cells  was  a  yard  enclosed 
by  a  high  fence.  The  space  here  referred  to  was  not  exten- 
sive, and  had  little  ornamentation.  It  had  been  paved  with 
cobblestones,  swept  cleanly,  and  sanded.  Just  where  the 
sun  newly  risen  usually  danced  its  beams  of  light  for  a  few 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  287 

moments  as  if  to  gladden  the  hearts  of  men  there  stood  an 
ominous-looking  structure  consisting  of  rough  lumber, 
unpainted  and  weatherbeaten.  It  resembled  to  some 
extent  the  framework  of  a  windmill,  having  strong  upright 
posts,  crossbeams,  and  platform.  There  were  some  dark- 
looking  entrances  to  this  questionable  monument,  one 
above  and  two  beneath  the  platform,  evidently  coming 
from  the  adjoining  cells.  The  chilly  aspect  of  this  silent 
piece  of  work  with  its  terrible  accessories  soon  revealed  its 
name  to  the  astonished  mind.  It  was  a  gallows.  One  of 
the  passages  beneath  the  gallows  was  long  and  circuitous, 
ending  in  an  adjacent  piece  of  ground,  where  also  some 
human  careers  terminated.  They  called  it  irreverently  "  the 
lock-up  for  the  dead,"  "  Prisoners'  Rest,"  "the  cemetery." 
Owing  to  the  fact  that  troops  congregated  in  the  vicinity 
of  the  place,  having  barracks  there,  and  that  wagons  carry- 
ing supplies  were  constantly  moving  to  or  from  it,  people 
imagined  the  low,  shambling  buildings  above  described  con- 
stituted part  of  those  necessary  for  military  purposes  then 
in  use. 

Judge  Hamilton  Hitch  resided  in  the  outskirts  of  the  city 
about  ten  minutes  walk  from  his  court  room.  He  boarded 
and  roomed  in  a  house  where  he  was  the  sole  guest,  the 
other  occupants  being  the  owners  —  a  man  and  wife  who 
had  accumulated  some  wealth  through  the  industry  of  the 
former  at  hod  carrying.  Their  domicile  was  large,  prepos- 
sessing in  appearance,  and  handsomely  furnished;  and  to 
secure  the  exclusive  use  of  it  with  the  exception  of  two 
living  rooms  in  the  rear,  the  Judge  paid  extra  rent.  He 
was  now  a  great  man,  conscious  of  the  fact,  and  lived  up  to 
it.  He  dressed  and  walked  like  a  person  of  distinction, 
assuming  the  elastic  step  so  often  seen  among  senators, 


288  JN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

judges,  deans,  and  little  doctors.  Generally  he  was  not 
seen  in  public,  never  at  special  gatherings  of  the  social 
world,  and  very  rarely  at  the  theater.  The  trick  of  push- 
ing through  society  in  order  to  become  notorious  or  to  gain 
conspicuousness  was  in  his  estimation  the  natural  concom- 
itant of  a  fool. 

After  the  battle  of  Bull  Run,  when  Danderton  returned 
to  Richmond  and  reported  the  capture  of  Herondine, 
Hamilton  Hitch  seemed  more  shocked  than  pleased.  The 
event  appeared  so  great  that  his  joy  overreached  itself  and 
hurt  his  sensibilities.  Some  unknown  power  of  which  he 
had  no  cognizance  struck  his  heart  in  a  mysterious  manner 
and  made  him  tremble.  Nay,  he  was  assailed  by  a  fit  of 
weakness,  and  perspiration  poured  through  the  pores  of  his 
body.  Still,  he  smiled  his  satisfaction  and  began  at  once 
the  contemplation  of  the  case,  so  as  to  become  acquainted 
with  each  detail  from  the  arraignment  of  Herondine  in 
court  to  that  of  his  execution. 

"You  can  make  him  out  a  spy?"  he  said  to  Danderton 
while  they  were  discussing  the  subject. 

"  Nothing  easier,  Judge.  You  yourself  came  near  on  to 
him  in  Charleston.  If  that  Whirlston  woman  had  not 
interfered,  you  would  have  nabbed  him  to  a  certainty." 

"  I  remember  the  circumstance,"  remarked  the  father; 
"  but,"  he  added,  "  are  you  sure  he  was  there  ?  " 

"  Almost  positive.  Do  you  know  it  was  he  and  Mrs. 
Whirlston  I  met  one  night  coming  from  church?  After 
they  passed  me  I  thought  the  figure  of  the  man  familiar, 
yet  could  not  place  it  on  account  of  the  dress  and  the  com- 
pany. Nothing  seemed  more  improbable  than  that  Heron- 
dine,  the  husband  of  Grace  Finnestare,  would  be  in  Charles- 
ton masquerading  alone  and  at  night  with  an  attractive 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  289 

widow ;  but  afterward,  when  I  received  a  dispatch  from 
one  of  ours  at  Washington  telling  me  that  he  was  in  the 
detective  service  and  had  gone  south,  the  thing  was  plain 
enough.  It  was  then  you  tried  your  hand  and  lost  the 
game  also." 

Judge  Hitch  smiled  sarcastically  at  the  allusion  to  his 
failure  on  the  occasion  noticed  by  Danderton.  Some  of 
the  bitterness  of  speech  characteristic  of  him  when  speaking 
of  women  was  now  displayed  as  he  answered  the  comment. 

"  It  would  have  made  a  dog  howl  to  see  her  trying  to 
prevent  me  entering  her  house  in  search  of  Herondine. 
Her  shoulders  moved  as  if  touched  by  magnetism,  her  lips 
trembled,  the  natural  look  of  the  eye  changed  to  ferocity, 
and  I  believe  she  would  have  scratched  my  face  if  I  did  not 
wait  patiently  the  proper  time.  I  knew  her  efforts  were  a 
mere  bubble  such  as  women  put  forth  when  they  brag  about 
anything,  and  when  I  threatened  her  with  the  law  she 
squirmed :  but  it  was  too  late ;  the  man  was  gone.  I 
would  have  given  a  cool  thousand  had  I  caught  the  two 
together." 

"My  sakes !  "  exclaimed  Danderton  excitedly,  "it 
would  have  been  a  grand  catch  —  a  haul  good  enough  to 
laugh  over.  Think  what  news  it  would  be  for  his  proud 
wife  and  the  people  of  her  set." 

"I  figured  on  something  of  that  kind,"  returned  the 
father,  insinuating  that  he  not  only  calculated  on  the  cap- 
ture of  the  man  but  also  the  blasting  of  his  reputation  by  the 
circulation  of  false  news  after  Herondine's  imprisonment. 

•'  What  would  you  have  done,  pap,  if  you  had  had  your 
way  with  that  woman?"  asked  Danderton  carelessly,  re- 
ferring to  Mrs.  Whirlston's  opposition  and  the  punishment 
it  entailed. 


290  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

The  Judge  answered  something  in  a  low  voice,  accom- 
panying the  words  by  a  grimace  and  a  hiss;  then  in  a 
louder  tone  remarked : 

"I'd  send  her  to  prison  for  ten  years  and  have  her  live 
on  bread  and  water  six  out  of  every  seven  days  of  that 
time.  As  it  was,  she  had  a  narrow  escape.  After  you  left 
Charleston,  General  Beauregard  interceded  in  her  behalf 
because  he  believed  she  was  misled  by  false  appearances 
and  false  statements  and  therefore  should  not  be  prose- 
cuted. Besides,  there  was  no  direct  proof  given  by  the 
detectives  that  the  person  she  boarded  at  her  house  was 
Herondine.  We  were  obliged,  therefore,  to  let  the  case 
drop." 

Danderton  then  related  his  experience  with  Furflew. 

"I  knew  him,"  he  said,  "as  a  deserter  named  Curler, 
and,  moreover,  I  strongly  suspected  him  of  being  a  fellow 
of  Herondine's.  I  was  never  so  much  surprised  in  my  life 
as  when  I  was  interrupted  in  the  act  of  arresting  him  by 
Saracen  Gay  and  his  man.  I  believe,  Judge,  the  South 
has  too  many  fools  of  Saracen  Gay's  kind  who  are  per- 
mitted to  do  just  as  they  have  a  mind  to." 

"There  are  worse  idiots  than  these,"  responded  the 
Judge  reflectively.  "Certain  persons  seeking  power  and 
place  are  already  causing  dissensions  among  our  leaders 
that  will  go  far  in  undermining  the  stability  of  the  Con- 
federacy." 

"Ah!"  said  Danderton,  returning  to  his  own  subject, 
"  you  should  have  seen  that  ventriloquist  scamp.  His 
coolness  was  astonishing.  As  I  approached  the  stage,  he 
knew  me  and  yet  never  wilted.  I  came  within  arm's  length 
of  him,  when  he  received  assistance  and  escaped.  I  re- 
ported the  matter  to  the  authorities,  but  I  was  informed  by 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  291 

a  private  communication  that  if  I  valued  my  position  I 
would  not  make  any  complaints  against  men  of  Saracen 
Gay's  class.  That  was  a  pointer  rendering  me  service. 
I  made  no  further  report ;  but  I  was  determined  to  track 
Herondine  to  the  end  of  the  earth,  if  necessary,  and  cap- 
ture him.  I  began  by  carefully  examining  every  piece  of 
news  that  reached  the  bureau  from  the  North.  I  followed 
Bonham's  command  into  northern  Virginia  until  I  came  in 
view  of  Washington,  as  I  knew  it  to  be  Herondine's  head- 
quarters. I  had  a  vague  idea  that  possibly  he  might  cross 
the  Potomac  and  incautiously  come  within  my  reach. 
He  was  never  absent  from  my  thoughts.  Finally  I  received 
information  that  he  would  be  attached  to  McDowell's 
army  of  invasion ;  and  I  then  suspected  that  he  would 
be  found  somewhere  near  the  general  on  the  day  of  the 
first  battle,  either  to  watch  for  spies  of  the  South  or  to 
render  some  important  service.  This  was  joyful  speculation 
to  me.  I  had  a  dozen  squads  of  men  on  the  watch  the  day 
Bull  Run  was  fought,  some  of  them  coming  close  up  to 
the  flanks  of  the  enemy.  Through  a  field  glass  I  discovered 
Herondine  on  the  run.  He  made  a  good  showing.  I 
knew  him  by  the  shape  of  his  body  and  the  set  of  his  head. 
I  rode  rapidly  to  the  edge  of  the  wood,  telling  my  men  to 
follow  so  as  to  intercept  him.  When  he  appeared,  I  grew 
excited ;  but  seizing  a  musket,  I  leveled  it  at  him  lest 
he  might  escape.  Twice  during  an  instant  was  my  mind 
bent  on  killing  him,  but  each  time  something  stopped  me. 
Finally  I  shot  his  horse  and  brought  him  down,  when  my 
men  rushed  out  and  secured  him. ' ' 

"It  seems  odd  you  did  not  shoot  him,"  remarked  the 
Judge,  who  had  listened  gravely  to  the  foregoing  narrative 
of  his  son. 


292  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

"  Wecannot  account  for  these  trifles  on  which  great  events 
seem  to  hinge,"  returned  Danderton.  "  I  always  found  them 
present  at  the  most  important  moments,  whatever  work  I 
was  engaged  at;  but,  pap,  did  I  not  do  well  in  this  trans- 
action by  bringing  down  so  fine  a  bird  as  Herondine?  " 

"You  went  beyond  yourself,"  replied  the  Judge.  "Your 
perseverance  was  wonderful.  I  know  of  no  one  in  the 
department  deserving  so  much  as  you.  My  efforts,  even, 
did  not  come  within  half  value  of  yours.  I  shall  make  a 
report  to  the  government  about  your  services,  and  we  will 
secure  for  you  a  high  position." 

The  Judge  would  have  proceeded  in  this  strain  had  not 
Danderton  raised  his  hand  as  a  sign  that  he  desired  to  make 
some  modifying  conditions  before  accepting  all  within  the 
glowing  prospect  whose  description  the  father  had  then 
commenced. 

"  I  wished  to  bring  Herondine  alive  in  here,  pap,  hoping 
that  his  wife  would  follow,"  he  said. 

This  assertion  of  the  son  was  given  out  in  a  timid  voice, 
as  if  he  expected  and  feared  the  disapproval  of  the  father. 

"What !"  ejaculated  the  Judge  in  a  tone  of  astonish- 
ment, while  his  face  grew  pale  and  his  limbs  trembled. 

"  It  is  the  old  thing,  father,"  returned  Danderton. 

"  D the  luck  !  "  exclaimed  Hamilton  Hitch  hoarsely. 

"You  are  still  infatuated  with  that  woman.  I  had  an  idea 
that  the  killing  of  Herondine  was  all  you  wanted,  whereas 
it  now  appears  you  only  want  his  wife." 

"It  never  appeared  otherwise,  Judge." 

"I  was  mistaken,  then.  You  are  excellent  in  everything, 
but  a  fool  in  this.  All  the  benefits  arising  from  my  solici- 
tude for  your  welfare  will  be  destroyed  by  this  one  act. 
No  words  can  express  my  contempt  for  your  conduct  in 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  293 

harboring  such  thoughts ;  not  that  I  disapprove  of  it  because 
she  is  a  wife,  or  the  thing,  a  woman,  but  because  you  cannot 
succeed.  Will  you  mark  that  ruin  and  failure  must  follow 
the  undertaking?  You  have  within  reach  as  fine  a  prospect 
as  any  man  on  earth  could  wish  for;  yet,  instead  of  pre- 
paring to  enjoy  it,  you  take  into  your  mind  a  hope  that 
cannot  be  realized  —  one  that  may  finally  throw  you  bodily 
into  the  cell  of  a  lunatic  asylum.  While  we  plotted  Heron- 
dine's  death,  you  were  cheek  by  jowl  with  me;  but  now 
that  he  is  within  our  power  and  I  am  ready  to  slay  him, 
you  cry  'Stop/  guided  by  some  cowardice  that  you  even 
cannot  explain." 

With  a  scowl  upon  his  features,  Danderton  bent  toward 
his  father  while  he  retorted  : 

"  It  is  not  cowardice." 

''What  is  it,  then?" 

"  The  beauty  of  the  woman,  to  be  sure.  What  else  can 
make  a  man  a  fool?  I  own  up  to  it.  I  would  be  anything 
to  possess  this  woman.  I  do  not  even  fear  death  should  it 
lie  in  my  way.  I  am  as  anxious  as  you  to  see  Herondine 
die;  but  I  wish  to  shuffle  him  a  little  beforehand,  like  the 
knave  of  trumps  in  a  pack  of  cards,  in  expectation  of  win- 
ning something." 

The  Judge  bent  his  head  in  meditation,  evidently  dis- 
turbed by  what  he  heard.  Nay,  he  struck  his  hands 
pettishly  against  the  arm  rails  of  the  chair  on  which  he  was 
seated  and  exhibited  other  signs  of  mental  distress. 

"O  Danderton,  who  can  account  for  this  folly  that  pur- 
sues you?  I  would  rather  see  a  wild  beast  on  your  track 
any  day  than  this  cursed  condition.  If  you  reason  with 
yourself  an  instant  you  will  find  there  is  no  hope  for  you 
with  the  woman.  On  a  former  occasion,  if  you  remember, 


294  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

I  pointed  out  how  dangerous  it  was  to  fool  with  such  tools 
as  these." 

"  Have  patience  with  me,  father,"  resumed  the  son 
calmly.  "  I  am  but  a  child  when  dealing  with  affections  of 
the  heart.  Perhaps  I  am  no  worse  than  men  who  hanker 
after  and  practice  vice  daily  without  being  noticed.  I  have 
to  choose  what  I  like  whether  it  is  agreeable  to  other  people 
or  not.  So  far  as  I  can  see,  this  is  the  general  custom 
among  all  classes.  I  want  my  experiments,  and  then  let 
experience  teach  me.  If  I  suffer  I  shall  bear  the  blame. 
If  I  change  my  ideas  by  the  gaining  of  knowledge,  it  will 
prove  the  cure  of  my  faults  to  be  such  as  may  be  depended 
on  in  future  in  similar  cases.  Remember  we  are  fighting 
on  the  same  line." 

"Well,  what  further  plans  have  you?  How  long  do 
you  intend  to  shuffle  Herondine?  " 

"  In  a  few  days  we  shall  be  ready  for  his  trial.  I  will  be 
informed  as  soon  as  his  friends  pass  through  our  lines. 
When  they  arrive  I  shall  interview  them  :  if  there  be  hope 
for  me  with  the  wife,  we  could  run  Herondine  home ;  but  if 
not,  let  him  die  here.  Isn't  that  fair  ?  " 

Without  making  a  direct  answer  to  the  foregoing  question, 
Judge  Hitch  resumed  : 

"Let  us  say,  then,  that  this  will  be  your  last  trial  also. 
I  am  willing  that  you  should  gain  all  the  experience  possi- 
ble, and  therefore  carry  out  your  program  to  the  end.  If 
Herondine  has  nothing  else  to  save  his  life  than  the  running 
off  of  his  wife  with  you,  then  the  Lord  help  him  in  the 
emergency,  for  he  will  need  it  from  some  source." 

"  If  she  backs  out  I  shall  see  his  coffin  lowered  into  the 
grave,"  added  Danderton,  as  he  arose  to  depart  for  his 
quarters  in  the  city  ;  and  presently  the  Judge  was  left  alone. 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  295 

CHAPTER  XXII. 

BEFORE   THE    COURT   OF    EXIGENCY. 

HERONDINE  was  imprisoned  in  one  of  the  cells 
attached  to  the  court  of  Hamilton  Hitch,  making 
it  understood  that  he  would  meet  the  fate  of  a  common 
spy.  He  soon  realized  there  was  no  romance  in  the  situa- 
tion—  no  elaborately  furnished  apartments  for  his  accom- 
modation, or  beautiful  lady  stealing  through  the  guarded 
doors  to  offer  him  consolation  during  the  dreadful  hours  of 
suspense  which  intervened  between  his  capture  and  his 
trial.  Everything  around  him  partook  of  sternness  and 
plainness,  such  as  had  been  witnessed  by  those  who  went 
before  him  charged  with  a  similar  offense — a  rude  bench  of 
wood  for  a  seat,  a  mattress  of  straw  of  the  meanest  mate- 
rial, and  an  army  blanket  for  covering,  constituted  his 
bed.  The  void  filled  the  rest  of  the  cell,  whose  dull  walls, 
grim  with  unclean liness,  seemed  to  foreshadow  the  cer- 
tainty of  speedy  death  to  the  occupant. 

After  a  delay  for  which  Herondine  could  not  account, 
but  which  the  reader  will  understand  was  due  to  Dander- 
ton's  request,  the  New  Yorker  was  brought  to  trial.  He 
was  conducted  by  one  of  the  guards  through  the  doors  and 
passages  lying  between  his  cell  and  the  court  room,  which 
were  all  carefully  watched  by  armed  men.  In  the  whole 
crowd  there  did  not  appear  a  sympathetic  face.  The  sin- 
ister gaze  characteristic  of  heartlessness  met  him  on  all 
sides.  The  hour  was  ten  o'clock  in  the  forenoon;  the 
day  was  a  glorious  one,  full  of  sunshine,  through  which 
could  also  be  seen  picturesque  scenery  extending  far  into 
the  distance;  and  the  balmy  air  from  without,  coming 
to  meet  him  as  if  in  friendliness,  made  his  heart  swell 


296  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

with  emotion.  Notwithstanding  the  weight  of  his  chains, 
Herondine's  person  appeared  upright.  The  shackles  on 
his  wrists  were  light,  but  those  around  his  ankles,  as  well 
as  the  chain  connecting  the  two  sets,  were  quite  heavy.  It 
required  an  effort  of  each  foot  to  lift  the  weight  upon  it 
before  proceeding  forward.  Then  the  links  of  the  chains 
rattled,  and  some  of  them  gave  a  dull  thud  upon  the  floor 
as  the  man  moved,  causing  even  the  callous-minded  men 
along  the  route  to  turn  and  gaze  upon  him  inquiringly  to 
ascertain  if  he  stood  the  ordeal  in  a  courageous  manner. 
Apart  from  his  natural  stateliness  and  soldierlike  bearing, 
Herondine  looked  terribly  shaken.  One  would  imagine 
he  was  a  convalescent  recovering  from  some  malignant 
disease.  His  features  were  overspread  with  a  glassy  pale- 
ness peculiar  to  a  class  of  invalids ;  his  eyes  had  lost  much 
of  their  animation  ;  he  breathed  quickly  so  as  to  be  heard, 
as  if  laboring  under  great  mental  distress ;  and  the  backs 
of  his  hands  were  unnaturally  white,  indicating  to  some 
extent  the  severity  of  his  suffering.  The  clanking  of  his 
chains  was  heard  in  the  court  room  some  time  before  he 
entered  it,  and  every  voice  became  silent  as  the  dreadful 
noise  announced  to  the  listeners'  ears  that  Herondine  was 
on  his  way  to  trial. 

What  Herondine's  thoughts  were  at  that  moment  no  one 
knew.  It  was  supposed  that,  having  anticipated  the  worst> 
he  was  prepared  for  it  and  had  schooled  himself  to  believe 
that  the  climax  of  his  mental  suffering  had  come;  for,  be 
it  remembered,  such  acceptance  of  fatality  is  as  distressing 
as,  if  not  more  so  than,  the  act  of  death  itself:  but  there  was 
a  phase  of  his  case  awaiting  him  he  did  not  expect  which 
made  him  tremble  in  every  limb  as  if  he  had  been  shot. 
As  he  entered  the  court,  his  heart  almost  ceased  to  beat  on 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  297 

seeing  in  a  corner  near  the  bench  his  wife  and  his  two 
aunts,  already  weeping  for  his  fate.  He  stopped  an  instant, 
throwing  up  his  hands  as  well  as  he  could,  as  a  sign  of 
utter  astonishment  and  bereavement ;  while  Grace  Heron- 
dine,  seeing  him,  gave  a  wild  shriek  of  despair  and  fell 
fainting  into  the  arms  of  Aunt  Frill.  As  the  only  wit- 
nesses of  this  scene  were  the  Judge  and  the  guards  accus- 
tomed to  duty  under  trying  circumstances,  there  was  no 
disturbance  in  court.  It  was  accepted  as  natural,  but 
the  Judge  made  a  sign  which  brought  up  a  man  to 
remind  Aunt  Frill  that  if  any  such  exhibition  were 
repeated,  they — the  ladies  —  must  quit  the  place  without 
hope  of  readmission. 

Then  the  prisoner  was  placed  in  front  of  the  bench  sur- 
rounded by  armed  men  ;  the  sentinels  were  set  at  the  doors 
and  in  the  corridors ;  the  ladies,  after  Grace  Herondine's 
return  to  consciousness,  resumed  their  seats  in  the  strangers' 
corner ;  the  officials  of  the  Judge  appeared  to  be  in  place ; 
the  crier  and  the  prosecutor  and  everything  in  the  apart- 
ment indicated  the  progress  of  the  business  in  hand. 
When  the  prisoner  raised  his  head  and  beheld  the  Judge,  he 
trembled  —  not  as  a  coward,  but  as  one  reminded  of  some 
terrible  feature  of  human  life  that  seemed  inexplicable. 
Here  was  a  condition  the  reverse  of  what  he  had  previously 
heard  ;  namely,  the  criminal  was  on  the  bench  deputed  to 
exercise  the  powers  of  a  judge,  while  the  good  man  stood 
in  the  dock  with  the  certainty  of  dying  a  violent  death. 
How  strange  that  this  should  occur  after  centuries  of  law- 
making,  preaching,  and  watchfulness  on  the  part  of  those 
having  the  good  of  society  at  heart !  Was  it  possible  that 
even  circumstances  leading  up  to  such  a  spectacle  could 
shape  themselves  and  mature  in  full  view  of  the  morality  of 


298  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

heaven   and   earth?     Yes.     Evil   was  uppermost    for  the 
time  being ;    let  those  explain  it  who  can. 

Hamilton  Hitch  looked  on  the  prisoner  with  a  pompous 
air,  such  as  an  ignorant  man  sometimes  assumes  when  he 
is  purse-proud  or  bespattered  by  promotion  due  to  senior- 
ity. His  own  triumph  over  Herondine,  as  well  as  the  late 
success  of  the  Confederate  arms,  could  be  detected  on  his 
features.  There  was  no  smile  perceptible,  but  merely  some 
shade  of  animation  that  marked  more  distinctly  the  eternal 
scowl  which  had  always  been  upon  them.  Nowhere,  per- 
haps, within  or  without  that  court  room,  could  there  be 
seen  an  object  so  fearfully  interesting  as  the  person  of  this 
judge.  When  the  light  from  a  side  window  thrown  open 
to  admit  more  air  fell  upon  him,  every  eye  beheld  one 
thoroughly  merciless  and  treacherous.  The  outline  of  the 
figure  bore  some  relationship  to  that  of  a  hog  after  a 
drowsy  sleep.  He  sat  motionless  without  attempting  to 
speak,  remembering,  no  doubt,  Danderton's  instructions 
to  him  regarding  the  best  method  of  coming  into  public 
favor — keep  his  mouth  shut  and  the  people  would  imagine 
he  was  a  profound  scholar  or  a  wise  statesman.  In  his 
present  position  he  did  it  to  inspire  terror  and  make  be- 
lieve there  was  dignity  in  this  statuelike  behavior.  His 
present  situation  might  be  accounted  better,  but  his  person 
worse,  than  previously.  The  thick  neck  was  still  prom- 
inent, but  the  head  looked  more  or  less  shriveled,  as  if 
Time  had  twisted  it  designedly  in  a  shocking  manner  so  as 
to  make  the  man  detestable  in  appearance  before  bringing 
him  to  death.  The  middle  part  of  his  face  protruded, 
doglike,  making  the  facial  angle  very  acute;  and  the 
top  of  his  head  appeared  to  have  narrowed  from  some 
cause  directed  against  sound  intelligence.  Even  his  hair 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE  299 

was  changing  irregularly,  the  lower  part  being  full  gray, 
while  that  which  clothed  the  upper  parts  of  the  cranium 
was  white  and  crispy  with  little  pointed  tufts  here  and 
there,  making,  on  the  whole,  a  shocking  picture  when  sud- 
denly beheld  Nature  had  withdrawn  a  portion  of  his 
strength  and  stricken  adversely  his  individual  members, 
but  the  power  of  evil  had  supplied  him  with  additional 
presumption  His  eyes  had  retreated  in  their  sockets, 
yet  now  they  possessed  a  fiercer  glare  than  formerly, 
and,  from  being  swinish,  they  seemed  like  those  of  a  wolf. 
Seated  firmly  behind  the  bench  alone,  with  the  special 
characteristics  conspicuous  as  above  mentioned,  he  bore 
some  resemblance  to  an  old  bulldog  waiting  for  a  chance 
to  bite. 

The  prosecutor,  seeing  everything  in  readiness,  arose 
to  make  a  statement.  On  scrutinizing  his  countenance, 
Herondine  said  mentally,  "  Should  I  escape  the  vengeance 
of  the  father,  the  son  would  complete  the  work  of  my 
destruction."  He  saw  in  the  prosecutor  his  old  enemy, 
Danderton  Hitch. 

"I  accuse  the  prisoner  at  the  bar,  your  honor,"  said 
Danderton,  "  of  being  a  common  spy." 

Before  any  one  could  reply  to  this  proposition  Aunt 
Frill  jumped  to  her  feet,  and,  stretching  forth  her  right 
hand,  said  boldly  : 

"It  ain't  true,  Jedge.  Alton  B.  is  my  nephew,  born 
and  raised,  I  might  say,  under  my  protection,  to  which 
Aunt  Funton  is  here  to  testify,  likewise  his  wife,  Grace 
Finnestare  that  was.  It  ain't  true  nohow,  Jedge.  It 
never  was  in  him  nor  in  his  family;  moreover,  he  didn't 
need  to  spy  on  any  one,  good,  bad,  or  indifferent.  He 
ain't  in  it." 


300  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

Aunt  Frill's  appearance  arrested  the  attention  of  every 
person  in  court.  Frail  in  body,  with  attenuated  hands 
and  face,  her  hair  white  as  snow,  her  cheeks  wrinkled,  a 
ghastly  pallor  overspreading  her  countenance,  and  this 
language,  half  irrelevant,  half  amusing,  made  her  appear 
deranged.  Add  to  these  features  of  the  case  her  black 
clothing  with  flounces  of  heavy  black  crape,  and  there  was 
a  picture  that  any  one  might  stare  at  in  wonder.  Her 
voice  was  clear,  however  —  not  harsh  in  its  sounds,  but 
musiclike  —  probably  occasioned  by  the  influence  of  the 
good  spirit  behind  it. 

"You  must  not  interrupt  the  business  of  this  court, " 
said  the  Judge  to  Aunt  Frill.  "  You  were  admitted  to 
witness  the  trial,  but  not  to  plead  for  the  prisoner." 

To  which  Aunt  Frill  replied  : 

"  I  have  a  pass,  Jedge,  from  President  Lincoln  himself — 
bless  his  good  heart.  It's  for  our  whole  party,  mind  you. 
When  I  heard  of  Alton  B.'s  trouble,  I  went  to  President 
Lincoln,  and,  introducing  myself,  said  to  him,  'Mr.  Presi- 
dent, I  was  for  Douglas  at  the  late  election,  but  am  fully 
satisfied  that  you  got  in.  Will  you  give  me  a  pass  to  go 
south  ?  My  nephew  has  been  captured  and  I  want  to  see 
him. '  Will  you  believe  it,  Jedge,  that  man  smiled,  and,  tak- 
ing a  sheet  of  paper,  wrote  the  pass  without  another  word ; 
only,  when  I  mentioned  that  my  nephew  was  confined  in 
Richmond,  the  President  said  pleasantly,  '  I've  ordered  the 
army  to  go  on  there;  so  you'll  have  lots  of  company.' ' 

At  the  conclusion  of  this  speech  some  of  the  guards 
laughed,  but  Danderton,  arrogantly  addressing  the  lady, 
resumed : 

"  I  desire  to  remind  you,  madam,  that  President  Lincom 
has  no  jurisdiction  here." 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  301 

"  No?  the  more's  the  pity,  then,  I  assure  ye,"  said  Aunt 
Frill  loftily.  "  He  is  the  President  for  all  that.  What  you 
have  here  is  like  the  contents  of  my  grandmother's  pocket 
— a  mixture  of  small  things  that,  come  to  examine  them, 
worn't  no  good  for  one  thing  nor  the  other." 

Danderton  looked  at  the  Judge  as  if  to  appeal  to  him  to 
correct  this  abuse  of  Aunt  Frill's  tongue. 

"We  cannot  listen  to  such  language,"  said  Hamilton 
Hitch.  "If  it  be  repeated,  you  must  leave  the  court." 
Then,  turning  to  Danderton,  he  continued,  "  Prosecutor, 
go  on." 

In  the  meantime,  Grace  Herondine  and  Aunt  Funton 
persuaded  their  companion  to  resume  her  seat  and  keep 
silent. 

Danderton's  statement  to  the  court  referred  to  the  pres- 
ence of  Herondine  in  Charleston  and  Montgomery,  but  it 
failed  to  prove  that  the  man  was  actually  in  these  places. 
To  cover  this  deficiency  in  his  testimony  he  swore  that  it 
had  positively  been  proven  to  him  that  the  prisoner  was  in 
these  places  severally  as  a  spy.  Upon  the  Judge  accepting 
this  evidence  as  proving  the  charges  against  Herondine, 
Aunt  Frill  groaned  and  the  other  ladies  began  to  weep, 
feeling  that  their  case  was  hopeless.  The  report  of  the 
capture,  however,  was  Danderton's  great  means  of  convict- 
ing the  prisoner. 

"  Herondine  was  caught  in  the  act,"  concluded  he — "a 
thing  that  cannot  be  denied,  for  I  witnessed  it  and  found 
the  documents  upon  him  which  the  court  has  in  its  posses- 
sion." 

There  was  deep  silence  in  the  apartment  when  Danderton 
resumed  his  seat.  Incidentally  the  Judge  turned  his  face 
towards  Herondine's  friends  as  if  to  indicate  how  conclu- 


302  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

sive  was  this  last  statement  of  Danderton's;  and  Aunt 
Frill,  believing  the  motion  to  be  a  challenge  to  respond, 
arose  and  said : 

"On  the  strength  of  his  own  words,  Jedge,  this  man  who 
swears  against  my  nephew  is  a  liar.  Alton  B.  was  an  aid- 
de-camp,  not  a  spy.  Grant  that  he  was  carrying  letters 
from  the  commanding  officer  of  his  party  —  wouldn't  you 
do  it?  That  was  not  spying  out  things.  On  this  ground, 
Jedge,  he  is  entitled  to  be  held  for  exchange." 

Then  Grace  Herondine  stood  up  and  spoke.     She  said  r 

"Aunt  Frill  is  correct,  Judge.  My  husband,  the  pris- 
oner, was  an  aid  to  General  McDowell,  and  cannot  be  held 
or  convicted  as  a  spy." 

Every  ear  in  court  heard  the  music  of  Grace  Herondine' s 
voice.  Every  eye  looked  at  her  admiringly,  and  then 
turned  to  behold  the  Judge. 

"  The  charges  against  the  prisoner  have  been  fully 
proven,"  said  the  Judge.  "It  is  clear  to  the  court  he  is 
guilty  and  deserving  the  punishment  inflicted  on  others  in 
similar  circumstances." 

Hearing  this  unexpected  declaration,  Aunt  Frill  stood 
forth  in  behalf  of  Herondine  as  few  women  ever  did 
before.  While  tears  coursed  down  her  wrinkled  cheeks  and 
her  breathing  came  thick  and  fast,  she  continued  : 

"  I  have  his  ransom  here,  Jedge.  These  papers  are  the 
deeds  of  my  property.  There  are,  moreover,  bills,  bonds, 
mortgages,  assignments,  acquitments,  ejectments,  releases, 
collaterals,  and  certificates  of  deposit  —  in  fact,  everything 
I  possess.  I  offer  them  as  the  price  of  his  liberty." 

Aunt  Funton  followed  Aunt  Frill,  making  a  similar  offer 
of  the  property  held  in  her  own  right,  but  the  Judge  made 
a  motion  of  dissent  with  his  hand  and  said  : 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  303 

"  We  do  not  accept  ransoms  for  persons  who  are  enemies 
of  the  Confederacy.  The  law  is  straight,  and  we  see  no 
reason  why  any  divergence  should  be  »ade  from  it.  How- 
ever, there  was  something  else,  Prosecutor.  Did  you — " 

He  referred  to  the  conversation  with  Danderton  the 
previous  night  regarding  proposals  to  be  made  to  Grace 
Herondine.  Danderton  understood,  and  replied  : 

"  I  made  the  effort,  but  failed  in  my  purpose.  Let  him 
die." 

Many  of  the  guards  appeared  deeply  interested  in  the 
magnanimous  conduct  of  the  two  aunts ;  but  the  climax 
of  the  proceedings  set  in  when  Herondine's  wife,  stung  by 
Danderton's  allusion,  addressed  the  court.  The  tears  had 
dried  in  her  eyes  through  the  effects  of  her  deep  emotion. 
She  was  in  the  realm  beyond  tears  where  souls  are  appalled 
by  dreadful  catastrophe  or  impending  destruction.  In  such 
positions  many  exhibit  good  or  bad  traits  unknowingly. 
What  the  witnesses  saw  associated  with  her  were  the  rare 
beauty  of  her  youth  whipped  by  chastisement  into  grandeur 
like  the  fire  of  a  meteor  in  motion,  and  the  uprightness  of 
an  individual  conscious  of  possessing  a  noble  nature  with 
determination  to  maintain  it.  She  said  : 

"  If  it  be  inevitable  for  my  husband,  the  prisoner,  to  die 
by  your  judgment,  we  have  sufficient  fortitude  to  withstand 
the  calamity  —  he  in  heaven  and  I  on  earth.  There  was  no 
criminality  in  his  life ;  therefore,  we  shall  only  have  to  regret 
separation,  that  which  comes  to  every  one  sooner  or  later. 
It  is  you  will  have  to  bear  the  remorse  of  killing  an  inno- 
cent man.  The  iron  hand  of  unseen  chastisement,  that  never 
ceases  to  operate,  will  fall  upon  you  and  on  yours  until 
justice  is  satisfied  you  have  had  enough.  We  came  to  plead, 
to  offer  ransom  for  his  life,  to  beg  for  mercy,  but  the  only 


304  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

condition  you  seem  to  imagine  necessary  and  effective  is 
for  me  to  renounce  my  husband  and  marry  your  son.  O 
man !  will  you  never  understand  that  allegiance  to  my  hus- 
band is  worth  more  to  me  than  the  wealth  of  the  world  and 
life  itself?  How  could  you  and  your  unfortunate  boy  think 
for  an  instant  that  I,  a  Northern  lady,  would  descend  to 
such  low-bred  methods  on  any  account  whatever  ?  My  hus- 
iband  will  meet  death  willingly  to  save  his  wife  from  dis- 
ho'nor,  and  I  say  for  myself  that  the  fair  fame  of  the  country 
and  society  I  represent  shall  never  be  sullied  by  any  act  of 
mine." 

She  resumed  her  seat  amid  deep  silence,  although  some 
of  the  men  present  would  have  applauded  if  they  dared. 
Herondine  appeared  refreshed  by  the  power  of  his  wife's 
words.  He  straightened  himself  briskly,  and  would  have 
spoken  if  the  Judge  had  not  begun  to  deliver  the  final 
decision  of  the  court. 

"Stand  forward,  Sternbeard,  captain  of  the  outside 
guard,"  said  the  Judge ;  "  and  you,  Greenlaugh,  captain  of 
the  inside  guard,"  he  continued,  while  two  men  in  uniform 
obeyed  the  summons  and  stood  near  the  prisoner.  "The 
decision  of  the  court  is  that  this  man  Herondine  be  exe- 
cuted in  the  usual  manner  tomorrow  at  sunrise  and  buried 
an  hour  later;  that  you  witness  these  acts  according  to 
custom  and  law ;  —  and  may  the  wise  dispensations  of 
Providence  guard  and  promote  the  Confederacy.  Amen  !  " 

At  the  conclusion  of  this  speech  the  Judge  suddenly  left 
the  bench ;  the  loud  orders  of  the  captains  resounded 
through  the  apartment ;  a  number  of  the  guards  surrounded 
Herondine  to  prevent  escape  and  to  set  the  death  watch ; 
and  the  man  who  had  previously  admonished  Aunt  Frill 
suddenly  came  up  and  hustled  the  ladies  out  the  side 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  305 

entrance,  giving  them  to  understand  that  they  could  see 
Hero.ndine  that  way  —  but  lo  !  the  door  was  bolted  behind 
them,  and  they  found  themselves  in  the  street  alone. 

Dismay  and  horror  were  depicted  on  each  countenance. 
They  could  not  speak,  but  wept  silently.  Aunt  Frill, 
accompanied  by  Aunt  Funton  and  Grace  Herondine,  moved 
away  to  regain  their  temporary  residence  and  discuss  the 
next  best  means  of  saving  their  friend.  As  stated  in  court, 
they  had  come  into  Richmond  with  a  pass  from  President 
Lincoln  and  some  vague  hopes  of  being  able  to  pay  a  ran- 
som for  Herondine's  life.  They  roomed  and  boarded  in  a 
private  residence  owned  by  a  Southern  man  whose  wife  had 
been  born  and  raised  in  the  North  and  was  known  previ- 
ously to  Herondine's  party.  Hence  they  found  her  willing 
to  give  them  good  treatment  as  well  as  advice.  This  woman 
told  Aunt  Frill  privately  that  party  feeling  ran  very  high 
just  then ;  that  people  were  afraid  to  question  the  methods 
of  the  government,  especially  any  institution  like  this  court 
where  Herondine  had  been  tried  —  although,  for  herself, 
she  did  not  know  much  about  it ;  and  that  the  wisest  thing 
to  do  was  for  the  party  to  return  home  out  of  danger  and 
trust  to  luck  for  the  balance  of  what  they  expected. 

This  recommendation  did  not  give  much  encouragement ; 
and  as  the  problem  of  relief  seemed  exceedingly  difficult  to 
solve,  much  of  the  day,  after  the  return  from  court,  was 
spent  in  bemoaning  and  lamenting  their  hard  fate.  In 
reviewing  what  had  been  done  up  to  that  time,  it  was  easy 
to  apprehend  defeat  and  disaster.  They  had  indignantly 
refused  to  entertain  Danderton's  proposition  made  to 
Grace  Herondine  on  entering  Richmond.  On  that  occa- 
sion Danderton  represented  himself  as  the  spokesman  of 
the  Southern  government,  invested  with  authority  to  give 


306  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

them  permission  to  witness  Herondine's  trial,  but  insinu- 
ated he  would  effect  the  prisoner's  release  on  his  own 
account  if  Grace  consented  to  remain  with  him  in  Rich- 
mond while  Herondine  returned  home.  This  phase  Of  the 
case  appeared  the  worst  of  all,  for  the  ladies  knew  that  their 
repudiation  of  Danderton's  proposal  would  entail  his  eter- 
nal enmity  and  ultimately  seal  the  death  of  Herondine. 
Yet  Aunt  Frill's  restlessness  soon  shaped  another  course. 
Armed  with  the  addresses  of  several  members  of  the  gov- 
ernment, she  issued  from  her  rooms  when  the  shades  of 
evening  were  stealing  solemnly  over  Richmond,  intent  on 
interviewing  each  and  every  one  of  them  so  as  to  save 
Herondine's  life.  Aunt  Frill  displayed  wonderful  energy. 
The  fire  of  her  eye  had  rekindled  as  in  youth  through  the 
medium  of  her  deep  concern  ;  and  the  sounds  of  her  voice 
were  sharpened,  as  if  the  acrimony  of  her  distress  had 
destroyed  the  rich  melody  by  which  they  had  previously 
been  characterized.  In  the  twilight  she  passed  like  a 
shadow,  or  some  memory  of  the  long  ago,  or  the  conspic- 
uous figure  in  a  complicated  dream,  whose  weight  left  an 
impression  not  soon  forgotten.  She  made  calls  late  into 
the  night.  There  were  many  who  listened  to  her  statement 
but  averred  they  had  no  power  to  interfere,  as  the  case  was 
outside  their  jurisdiction.  Others  cheered  her  with  the 
hope  that  Herondine  would  be  exchanged  as  a  prisoner  of 
war ;  but  when  she  added  that  he  was  accused  of  being  a 
spy,  they  shook  their  heads  and  appeared  to  think  of  him 
altogether  in  another  light.  When  she  rejoined  her  com- 
panions, there  was  much  to  speak  of  but  little  to  hope  for. 
Herondine  was  conveyed  to  his  cell  fully  alive  to  the  fact 
that  his  death  was  near  at  hand.  He  reflected  a  little  on 
the  possibility  of  his  friends  gaining  a  stay  of  proceedings 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  307 

or  a  rehearing  of  his  case  before  another  court,  or,  perhaps, 
recognition  as  a  prisoner  of  war;  but,  when  his  mind 
turned  to  review  the  unscrupulous  character  of  Hamilton 
Hitch  and  of  Danderton,  he  finally  concluded  there  was 
no  hope  for  him. 

Danderton,  soon  after  the  trial,  visited  his  father  in  his 
private  apartments.  The  conversation  between  them 
referred  wholly  to  Herondine  and  his  wife.  The  son 
appeared  more  exultant  than  the  father,  because  the  pas- 
sions which  governed  him  were  more  vigorous,  and  as  an 
individual  he  was  more  interested  in  the  fate  of  the  pris- 
oner. As  a  matter  of  fact,  Hamilton  Hitch  always  felt 
distressed  when  considering  Danderton's  affection  for 
Grace  Herondine,  for  he  foresaw  the  futile  results  arising 
therefrom ;  otherwise,  the  execution  of  Herondine  would 
be  little  more  to  him  than  that  of  any  other  person  in  a 
similar  situation. 

"Look,"  said  Danderton,  raising  his  finger  as  if  to 
point  his  words.  "  I  feel  as  if  I  could  kill  the  woman  if  I 
had  the  opportunity.  Don't  you,  pap?  " 

"I  never  liked  her,  to  begin  with,"  said  the  Judge  ; 
''but  that  matter  is  altogether  your  own.  I  prefer  hanging 
the  man.  It  adds  freshness  to  my  life,  especially  when  I 
can  get  under  one  of  that  good  sort  so  much  thought  of, 
and  raise  him  into  the  gallows.  It's  a  sweet  job,  Dander- 
ton." 

Danderton  was  too  much  concerned  with  his  own 
thoughts  to  smile  at  this  diabolical  pleasantry. 

*'  One  thing  more,  pap,  before  we  part,"  he  continued. 
"  I  am  ordered  to  appear  before  the  chief  immediately  for 
some  new  and  important  duty.  I  cannot,  therefore,  be 
present  at  Herondine's  execution  ;  but  will  you  personally 


308  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

see  his  coffin  lowered  into  the  grave?   I  vowed  to  witness 
it  myself;    but  as  I  cannot  do  so,  on  account  of  this  extra 
pressure  on  my  time,  I  will  get  you  to  be  my  substitute." 
After  a  little  reflection  the  Judge  answered : 
"  I  swear,  Danderton,  I  shall  see  his  coffin  go  down  into 
the  grave  as  sure  as  the  sun  rises  tomorrow  morning,  with 
the  hope  that  it  will  be  the  last  act  between  us  and  those 
detestable  Herondines.     Now  be  satisfied,  and  take  care  of 
yourself." 

After  giving  a  suitable  adieu  to  his  father,  Danderton 
departed  for  his  new  field  of  operations,  while  Hamilton 
Hitch  turned  in  upon  his  own  conscience  to  gloat  over  the 
evil  at  his  command  and  the  number  of  the  unfortunates 
upon  whom  it  fell. 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 

THE    INNER   LIFE    OF   A    BAD    MAN. 

ONE  might  imagine  that,  coming  into  power  and 
meeting  independence  as  heretofore  described, 
Hamilton  Hitch  would  reject  ideas  such  as  directed  him  in 
former  times  when  he  was  a  dangerous  thief.  This  was  not 
the  fact,  however.  He  never  even  dreamt  of  reformation, 
but,  on  the  contrary,  studied,  as  he  advanced,  the  most 
subtle  methods  by  which  he  could  propagate  his  nefarious 
designs  against  his  fellow-man  in  the  line  above  indicated. 
His  ruling  passion,  or  the  inner  life  which  absorbed  his 
whole  soul,  was  theft.  No  reward  or  emolument,  bribe, 
or  hope  of  fame  could  turn  his  mind  from  its  fascinations 
for  one  single  hour.  He  did  not  commit  petty  thefts  as 
on  former  occasions,  nor  engage  in  others  of  a  more  dan- 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  309 

gerous  character  designated  grand  larceny;  but  he  de- 
signed new  means  for  their  execution  by  others,  arranged 
an  organization  of  thieves,  and  contemplated  future  prog- 
ress for  its  members  when  he  would  have  them  bound  by 
crime  and  directed  by  craft.  He  brought  thievery  down 
to  a  scientific  basis.  What  he  had  seen  of  human  life  jus- 
tified him,  perhaps,  in  doing  this — measured  according  to 
the  peculiar  formation  of  his  mind  and  the  drift  of  his 
philosophy.  Everywhere  he  turned  he  found  thieves  or 
those  who  would  be  thieves  had  chance  given  them  a  fair 
opportunity.  The  field  was  extensive,  the  mission  great. 
He  would  organize  a  society  of  thieves;  teach  them  prin- 
ciples of  cohesion,  faithfulness,  and  many  others  found 
prominent  in  the  moral  code ;  and  to  the  people  of  this 
organization  he  would  be  a  Christ,  carrying  conviction  to 
their  understandings  by  his  unswerving  fidelity  to  the 
letter  of  what  he  taught.  To  his  knowledge,  there  was  a 
criminal  world  permeating  all  else,  corresponding  to  evil 
as  associated  or  existing  side  by  side  in  the  same  universe 
with  good.  This  criminal  phase  of  human  life  would  never 
be  eradicated.  It  had  existed  through  all  time,  and  would 
remain  forever.  Some  individuals  are  born  predisposed  to 
criminality ;  they  become  criminal  as  a  matter  of  choice, 
love  its  requirements,  and  die  thoroughly  debased  without 
having  felt  throughout  their  whole  lives  one  genial  gleam 
of  God's  beneficence.  This  was  a  part  of  the  philosophy 
of  Hamilton  Hitch.  These  were  some  of  the  facts  on 
which  he  reflected  and  for  whose  purposes  he  became  an 
active  chief  in  the  kingdom  of  thievery. 

It  will  be  seen  from  what  has  been  written  heretofore  on 
the  subject  in  these  pages  that  his  studies  in  this  peculiar 
science  were  of  a  progressive  nature  and  that  the  attain- 


310  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

ments  derived  from  them  grew  larger  in  proportion  to  the 
increase  of  his  social  and  political  power.  In  Omaha  he 
did  little  more  than  plan  and  resolve,  but  here  we  find  his 
organization  in  shape  and  operating  with  greater  promise 
of  success  than  the  Confederacy  itself.  In  accepting  the 
judgeship  of  the  court  of  exigency,  he  stipulated  for  cer- 
tain privileges.  One  of  those  was  that  he  be  accorded  the 
power  of  selecting  the  men  of  his  own  guards.  As  this 
seemed  a  reasonable  proposition,  it  was  readily  granted 
him  ;  but  mark  the  result  —  every  man  selected  was  a  thief! 
It  was  the  first  time  since  his  escape  from  the  gallows  that 
he  had  had  a  good  opportunity  of  striking  at  righteousness 
with  effect ;  and,  uniting  his  experience  of  years  with  the 
dark,  crafty  knowledge  of  his  nature,  he  delivered  it  a 
tremendous  blow.  The  guards  here  mentioned  were  two 
in  number — the  first,  called  the  outside  guard,  being 
composed  of  fifteen  mounted  men ;  the  second,  the  inside 
guard,  made  up  of  a  similar  number  unmounted,  or  foot- 
men. Each  guard  had  a  leader,  called  a  captain  through 
courtesy ;  for,  be  it  remembered,  the  members,  any  or  all 
of  them,  did  not  belong  to  the  regular  army,  but  came 
into  existence  for  the  special  purposes  here  mentioned. 
Their  duties  consisted  in  obeying  the  mandates  of  the 
Judge  regarding  the  removal  or  conveyance  of  prisoners 
from  a  distance  to  the  court.  The  mounted  men  attended 
to  this  service,  while  the  inside  guard  did  the  work  of 
cooks,  cooks'  assistants,  orderlies,  gravediggers,  and  the 
necessary  cleansing  of  the  entire  establishment.  They 
received  clothing,  rations,  and  pay  from  the  government 
for  their  public  services,  and  a  guarantee  of  continuous 
employment  from  the  Judge  for  their  private  ones.  Thus 
circumstances  shaped  the  course  suited  to  the  most  sanguine 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  311 

hopes  of  Hamilton  Hitch,  and  puffed  him  up  with  the 
proud  reflection  that  evil  was  more  remunerative  than 
good  and  therefore  more  desirable. 

It  was  wonderful  how  actively  he  began  the  business  por- 
trayed in  his  inner  life  when  he  held  the  law  in  his  own 
hands.  He  formed  a  "lodge  "  with  its  staff  of  officers,  its 
oathbound  initiation  ceremonies,  its  regular  periods  of 
meeting,  and  its  code  of  by-laws.  Whenever  a  new  mem- 
ber was  initiated,  the  members  of  the  lodge  wore  masks. 
This  was  considered  a  precautionary  measure,  and  had  in  it 
the  air  of  mystery  suited  to  the  occasion.  Every  man  in 
both  guards  was  a  member  of  the  lodge ;  indeed,  none 
other  would  be  employed  in  such  capacity.  In  the  begin- 
ning, when  the  right  kind  of  men  were  not  available,  the 
organization  was  limited  to  eight  or  ten,  but  gradually 
increased  by  the  application  and  initiation  of  new  members. 
It  was  a  curious  fact  that  it  was  not  necessary  to  be  a 
Southern  man  in  order  to  gain  admission  to  the  organiza- 
tion. The  broad  lines  on  which  the  society  had  been 
planned  settled  that  condition.  It  was  intended  for  the 
world  at  large,  and  therefore  must  have  universal  features. 
Hence  Hamilton  Hitch  readily  took  strangers  into  service. 
They  were  from  almost  all  parts  of  the  world.  Some  of 
them  were  criminals  who  had  escaped  justice  by  a  hair's 
breadth ;  yet  now  that  safety  gave  them  a  little  comfort, 
they  complied  strictly  with  the  rules  made  for  their  regula- 
tion. They  felt  themselves  in  the  last  ditch.  They  had 
found  in  the  past  the  opportunity  of  evading  the  civil  laws 
of  the  country,  but  here  any  divergence  from  the  rules 
made  by  Hamilton  Hitch  entailed  certain  death ;  therefore 
they  became  as  obedient  as  good  citizens  for  the  time 
being.  It  was  seldom  the  organization  reached  its  full 


312  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

complement  of  men.  Vacancies  were  created  by  sickness 
and  consequent  retirement  by  deaths,  and  the  transfer  of 
members  to  other  parts  of  the  country  as  civilians  for  the 
formation  and  government  of  new  lodges.  All  these  oper- 
ations were,  of  course,  conducted  in  the  most  secret  man- 
ner possible,  as  were  also  all  acts  undertaken  professionally 
—  that  is,  thefts.  Every  member  of  the  gang  was  instructed 
to  note  where  any  chance  for  a  petty  theft  or  robbery 
became  available.  The  case  was  then  examined  in  secret 
by  an  inner  circle  of  the  lodge,  and  if  found  safe  and 
worthy  would  be  attempted  by  so  many  of  the  men  as  were 
deemed  necessary  to  perform  the  work.  Articles  of  value 
stolen  in  one  city  were  invariably  sent  to  a  distance,  so  that 
they  could  not  be  identified  when  sold ;  and  very  valuable 
articles  were  held  for  a  long  time  before  being  offered  for 
sale,  for  a  similar  reason.  If  money  were  captured  —  that 
is,  stolen  —  by  the  thieves,  it  was  divided  among  all  mem- 
bers of  the  lodge  according  to  the  rank,  standing,  and 
efficiency  of  each. 

Hamilton  Hitch  attained  such  eminence  in  the  society 
that,  while  sharing  in  its  emoluments,  he  neither  took  part 
in  the  thefts  nor  feared  implication  in  them  if  any  other 
members  happened  to  be  accused  by  the  law  officers  before 
the  regular  courts.  This  immunity  from  the  responsibili- 
ties of  crime  was  spread  in  the  by-laws  and  emphasized 
with  the  threat  of  death  in  case  it  was  disregarded. 

We  heard  the  names  of  the  captains  of  the  guards  men- 
tioned in  the  court  when  the  Judge  sentenced  Herondine. 
It  may  be  said  in  passing  that  they  were  Northern  men. 

Sternbeard  was  a  little  man  with  no  special  qualification 
other  than  that  he  assumed  to  know  more  than  his  fellows. 
This  assumption  of  knowledge  was  a  kind  of  fanaticism 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  313 

due  to  the  smallness  of  his  mind  and  the  operation  of  a 
few  facts  upon  it.  At  home  he  started  as  a  quack  doctor, 
but,  feeling  the  insignificance  of  that  profession,  merged 
into  plagiarism.  In  other  words,  he  affixed  his  name  to 
another  man's  work  and  claimed  to  be  the  author  of  it.  To 
cover  his  theft  more  effectively,  he  selected  a  foreign  author 
—  a  French  writer  on  a  scientific  subject.  What  was  more 
extraordinary  still,  he  did  not  know  French,  but  employed 
a  French-American  to  make  the  translation.  Nothing  but 
a  thoroughly  debased  mind  could  sustain  such  a  character 
as  this.  This  phase  of  thievery  is  worse  than  robbery  on 
the  highway,  because,  while  it  is  a  bona  fide  theft,  people 
do  not  often  view  it  as  such,  and  punishment  rarely,  if 
ever,  comes  to  the  offender.  Sternbeard's  adventurous  spec- 
ulations carried  him  south;  and,  hearing  of  the  court  of 
exigency,  he  applied  to  the  Judge  for  a  position.  When 
the  two  men  came  to  understand  each  other,  Sternbeard 
was  made  captain  of  the  outside  guard ;  for  Hamilton 
Hitch,  who,  as  everybody  knows,  was  an  ignorant  man, 
believed  that  it  was  wise  to  promote  learning  with  the  hope 
that  one  day  it  would  turn  to  craft.  This  settlement  of  his 
worldly  affairs  gave  Sternbeard  an  unctuous  flavor.  He 
wore  a  sanctimonious  air,  as  of  one  who  had  been  gifted  by 
the  gods  or  born  religious.  He  had  also  a  little  spring  in 
his  step  while  walking,  executed  so  as  to  attract  the  notice 
of  the  vulgar  and  cause  them  to  imagine  him  a  great  man. 
In  order  that  his  identity  should  be  concealed  as  far  as 
possible,  the  name  Sternbeard  had  been  given  him  when  he 
joined  the  guards  of  Hamilton  Hitch  This  was  suggested 
by  the  fact  that  he  appeared  to  have  gone  to  some  trouble  to 
grow  a  beard  without  success.  Some  of  the  leading  men 
in  the  guards,  seeing  it,  turned  the  exhibition  into  ridicule 


314  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

by  calling  him  Sternbeard.  Notwithstanding  the  fact  that 
he  then  and  there  discarded  the  idea  of  having  a  beard,  and 
appeared  afterwards  with  a  shaven  face,  the  name  was 
accepted  and  held  by  his  companions  as  appropriate,  and 
he  was  called  by  no  other. 

This  method  of  naming  men  also  applied  to  Greenlaugh, 
the  captain  of  the  inside  guard.  Of  the  two  officers 
Greenlaugh  was  the  greater  villain.  He  had  been  an  asso- 
ciate of  Sternbeard  in  the  North,  and  had  copied  some  of 
his  methods.  He  was  larger  in  stature,  but  smaller  in 
mind.  Everything  he  attempted  was  on  a  small  scale,  for, 
to  tell  the  truth,  he  was  the  nearest  approach  to  a  genuine 
fool  that  any  ordinary  person  could  meet  in  a  lifetime.  As 
a  plagiarist  he  went  the  length  of  stealing  an  obscure  pam- 
phlet on  fishhooks  and  how  they  wound  the  fish  that  bite 
them.  No  man  ever  attempted  authorship  with  a  duller 
comprehension  of  its  requirements  and  less  attainments 
intellectually  than  Greenlaugh.  He  was  flatfooted  and 
slightly  bowlegged,  and  walked  with  a  sanctimonious  air, 
as  one  gifted  with  the  power  of  divination.  When  first 
introduced,  Hamilton  Hitch  gazed  at  him  pleasantly.  He 
recognized  by  intuition  that  he  had  before  him  a  man  thor- 
oughly selfish,  capable  of  stealing  anything  or  everything 
within  reach,  and  devoid  of  all  feeling  for  his  fellow- 
men.  For  these  traits  of  character  he  was  promoted  to  the 
position  where  we  find  him  at  the  trial  of  Herondine.  He 
acquired  his  name  through  the  peculiarity  of  his  laugh, 
or  smile.  This  smile  played  upon  his  features  most  while 
he  contemplated  mischief.  It  was  he  who  visited  prisoners 
in  their  cells  and  by  false  promises  of  friendship  endeav- 
ored to  obtain  from  them  facts  relating  to  the  movement  of 
Northern  troops  or  any  information  that  could  be  used  to 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  315 

advantage  *in  the  South  or  in  the  lodge.  Greenlaugh's 
features  were  square  and  soft,  the  nose  being  a  broad  pug, 
the  forehead  low,  the  eyes  a  bluish  gray,  and  the  mouth 
large.  Those  who  stood  around  Hamilton  Hitch  at  the 
first  meeting  heard  him  dub  the  man  "  Greenlaugh, "  and 
they  all  approved,  because  to  their  minds  it  was  most  appro- 
priate. 

When  an  applicant  for  admission  to  the  society  did  not 
choose  to  be  a  member  of  the  military  organization,  he 
received  such  instructions  as  were  necessary  to  carry  on  the 
work  of  thievery  in  civil  life  wherever  he  had  determined 
to  organize  a  new  lodge  and  run  it  subject  to  the  rules  from 
headquarters.  On  the  night  before  the  time  appointed  for 
Herondine's  execution  such  an  applicant  made  his  appear- 
ance before  Judge  Hitch.  It  was  after  dark,  just  about  the 
time  the  Judge  had  finished  supper, —  when,  with  a  full  stom- 
ach, he  was  seated  on  the  veranda  in  front  of  his  rooms, 
where  some  creeping  vines  had  formed  a  shade  and  given 
to  the  breath  of  night  a  cool  and  pleasant  feeling.  The 
stranger  stood  behind  the  woman  of  the  house,  who  came 
to  introduce  him ;  for  it  was  customary  for  her  to  witness 
the  Judge's  meeting,  when  at  home,  with  all  visitors,  lest 
some  of  them  should  prove  objectionable. 

"Here,  Judge,"  said  the  woman,  stepping  aside,  "is 
one  that  wants  you  on  business."  She  seemed  to  hesitate 
about  saying  "  man,"  because  the  visitor  was  a  little  person 
who  looked  into  every  corner  of  the  house  with  as  much 
caution  as  if  he  expected  to  discover  a  skeleton  in  it,  and 
shook  his  feet  at  intervals,  giving  the  impression  to  his 
companion  that  he  intended  to  get  rid  of  them  before  the 
termination  of  his  journey. 

The  two  men  gazed  at  each  other  in   wonder.     There 


316  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

appeared  recognition  on  both  sides,  but  each  man  seemed 
too  full  of  past  memories  to  speak. 

Finally  the  Judge  gave  the  customary  sign  for  the  woman 
to  withdraw ;  and  when  the  door  closed  behind  her  he  said 
to  the  man  : 

"What  change  has  been  wrought  in  you,  or  what  has 
driven  you  here  ?  ' ' 

The  little  man  smiled,  shook  his  boots  alternately,  and 
answered  : 

"This  has  wrought  the  change.  It  is  really  so."  He 
held  up  before  the  Judge's  view  #.  small  triangular  piece  of 
metal  suspended  from  a  strip  of  ribbon.  It  was  the  token 
which,  as  the  reader  may  remember,  Hamilton  Hitch  had 
given  Crow  Whifton  before  leaving  Omaha  immediately 
before  the  war.  It  was  the  first  step  towards  the  initiation 
of  the  man  into  the  society  which  the  Judge  afterwards 
formed.  It  was  the  sign  that  the  novice  had  been  faithful 
and  was  entitled  to  protection  and  membership. 

"Do  you  understand  anything  beyond  this  token?" 
said  the  Judge. 

"I  do,"  replied  Whifton  confidently  —  for  it  was  he. 

"  How  did  you  procure  it  ?  " 

"By  study." 

"  What  element  did  you  examine?  " 

"  The  criminal  element.  I  examined  the  darker  shades  of 
life  and  viewed  that  which  has  been  through  all  time.  I 
saw  the  other  side  of  good  to  be  the  variety  of  life  which 
some  call  evil.  I  found  it  a  great  field,  and  knew  you  were 
a  worker  in  it  to  advantage.  It  is  really  so." 

"  How  did  you  know  my  designs?  " 

"I  read  them  off  the  mind  of  another  man.  One  of 
the  stable  men  in  Omaha  and  I  compared  notes  once, 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  317 

and  we  discovered  what  you  were  and  the  kind  of  business 
you  intended  pushing  in  future.  We  had  inklings  enough 
to  teach  a  dozen  men." 

"You  are  smart,  Crow  Whifton.  If  you  desire  military 
service,  I  shall  appoint  you  to  a  place  over  the  heads  of 
my  two  captains.  I  can  make  you  major." 

Whifton  was  staggered  by  the  magnificence  of  this 
offer.  He  smiled,  bowed  his  thanks,  and  answered : 

"  I  must  go  north.  I  fought  at  Bull  Run  on  the  other 
side.  With  proper  instructions  I  can  carry  out  your  plan 
in  my  old  place  at  Council  Bluffs." 

The  Judge  appeared  well  satisfied  with  this  proposition. 
In  turn  he  felt  exultant  that  Whifton  should  come  so  near 
the  interpretation  of  his  pet  project  without  the  delay 
incident  to  the  use  of  an  extra  word. 

"I'll  endow  you  with  full  powers  this  very  night,"  he 
said.  "You  must  appear  immediately  before  the  masked 
lodge." 

The  Judge  arose  hastily  to  give  instructions  to  his  men 
in  order  that  the  necessary  preparation  be  made  for  the 
initiation  of  a  new  member.  When  he  returned,  he  had 
the  woman  in  attendance  carrying  some  light  refreshment. 
It  could  be  seen  he  had  been  moved  to  this  liberality  by 
some  powerful  motive  —  the  one  that  had  appealed  to  the 
secret  working  of  his  inner  life;  and,  besides,  every  fiber 
of  his  person  seemed  touched  to  harmonize  with  his  fondest 
expectations  in  that  his  society  was  multiplying  almost 
beyond  belief. 

After  some  minutes  spent  in  social  entertainment  the 
Judge  conducted  Whifton  to  the  anteroom  adjoining  the 
masked  lodge,  where  he  gave  him  in  charge  to  the  outside 
doorkeeper,  while  he,  the  Judge,  disappeared  so  as  to  pre- 


318  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

pare  the  lodge  for  Whifton's  reception.  The  outside 
doorkeeper  introduced  Whifton  to  the  inside  doorkeeper, 
who  in  turn  presented  him  to  the  lodge;  and  thus  he  found 
himself  in  one  of  the  strangest  situations  of  his  life.  The 
apartment  was  well  lighted  and  commodious.  Military 
accouterments  hung  on  the  walls.  The  officers  of  the 
lodge  wore  badges,  each  having  been  also  provided  with  a 
writing  desk,  while  the  man  who  presided  had  his  seat  on  a 
platform  in  the  east  end  of  the  room.  Although  no  coward, 
Whifton  was  shocked  on  beholding  all  the  members  pres- 
ent behind  black  masks.  This  feeling  was  aggravated 
when  they  began  to  move  and  speak.  After  a  number  of 
ceremonies  had  been  performed  and  a  series  of  admonitions 
delivered  to  Whifton  regarding  his  future  conduct,  the 
presiding  officer  asked  what  testimony  was  there  to  show 
that  this  man  was  worthy  to  receive  the  first  degree  of  the 
lodge.  Immediately  a  door  opened  near  the  platform  of 
the  president  and  some  one  in  a  superior  lodge  dress 
appeared  and  said  : 

"I,  the  unknown  and  the  gifted  one,  say  the  man  is 
worthy." 

On  hearing  this,  all  the  members  rose  to  their  feet  and 
remained  standing,  as  they  understood  this  to  be  the  oracle 
and  master. 

It  was  the  Judge. 

Then  the  president  continued: 

"  Crow  Whifton,  the  highest  testimony  known  to  us  has 
been  given  in  your  behalf.  We  consider  you  henceforth 
endowed  with  the  first  degree  of  this  institution,  a  worthy 
brother  and  colaborer  in  the  field  defined  by  our  great 
chief, — and  may  your  enemies  perish  wherever  they 
appear. ' ' 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  319 

At  the  conclusion  of  this  speech  the  Judge  retired  and 
the  lodge  resumed  its  normal  appearance.  The  president 
again  said  : 

"  Vice-president,  conduct  our  newly  made  brother  to 
the  inner  circle,  where  he  will  make  his  request  and  receive 
the  evidence  of  the  power  in  the  keeping  of  our  chief." 

Whifton  was  led  through  the  door  where  the  Judge  had 
recently  appeared,  and  instructed  by  his  guide  to  make  any 
request  he  wished  as  a  memento,  or  remembrance,  of  his 
initiation. 

"What  is  it  you  desire?"  asked  the  Judge,  who,  as  a 
kind  of  high  priest  of  the  proceedings,  remained  masked 
and  clothed  as  he  had  appeared  recently  before  the  lodge. 

Whifton  felt  dazed  for  an  instant,  like  some  poor  wight 
who  had  suddenly  come  into  the  possession  of  a  large  for- 
tune. It  seemed  incredible  that  the  possibility  of  what  he 
wished  to  ask  was  within  his  reach.  In  a  voice  that  trem- 
bled with  emotion  he  said  : 

"  I  demand  the  release  of  Herondine  !  " 

As  if  a  thunderclap  had  struck  the  house  the  Judge  gave 
an  exclamation  of  surprise.  It  resembled  the  groan  of  a 
man  robbed  of  his  money. 

"Herondine  belongs  to  the  Confederacy,"  said  the 
Judge. 

"  This  is  why  the  exercise  of  your  power  will  be  made 
more  conspicuous,"  returned  Whifton. 

"But  I  never  reprieve.  They  call  him  who  sentenced 
Herondine  'Judge  Neverfail.'  What  you  ask  is  too  im- 
mense." 

"  You  will  not  attempt  to  obstruct  what  you  have  worked 
so  hard  to  establish?  "  said  Whifton,  growing  more  confi- 
dent in  the  belief  of  his  ultimate  success.  "  The  rules  and 


320  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

conditions  laid  down  for  our  guidance  in  the  society  must 
be  observed  to  the  letter  by  you  as  well  as  by  us ;  otherwise 
your  commission  ain't  worth  smoke.  What  is  the  Confed- 
erate government  to  you  compared  with  the  beauty  and 
glory  of  your  darling  project?  " 

Here  again  the  Judge  moved  uneasily  in  his  seat  and 
whimpered  as  if  his  soul  was  held  in  some  mysterious  iron 
grasp. 

"Have  it  out,"  continued  Whifton.  "Let  your  pet 
scheme  mature  to  the  full  extent ;  then  it  will  mean  some- 
thing. The  men  who  lead,  as  well  as  those  who  follow, 
will  understand  it  is  no  half  measure,  but  the  ideal  of  the 
thief  made  reality.  We  care  not  for  life  or  death.  It  is 
the  sunshine  of  the  heart  that  makes  existence  endurable. 
This  sunshine  in  some  is  darkness  —  which  is  a  paradox, — 
while  with  others  it  may  be  the  instinct  of  committing 
crime.  Herondine  is  a  mere  point  that  must  not  be  held 
to  retard  the  business  of  the  society  for  an  instant  of  time. 
You  have  power  to  release  him.  The  demand  is  made 
under  the  most  secret  as  well  as  the  most  sacred  of  seals  — 
that  of  united  brotherhood — and  you  know  it  cannot  be 
denied." 

Whifton  ceased,  and  the  Judge  became  absorbed  in  pro- 
found reflection.  Good  and  evil  stood  face  to  face.  It 
was  a  passage  at  arms  with  the  life  of  Herondine  as  the 
stake.  Whatever  power  was  claimed  by  the  one,  or  self- 
confidence  by  the  other,  they  were  here  for  a  battle  to  a 
finish.  Evil,  as  represented  by  Hamilton  Hitch,  appeared 
to  have  the  upper  hand ;  yet  when  the  difficulty  between 
the  two  came  to  be  examined  logically,  the  pleasant  light 
of  good  began  to  appear  to  the  discomfiture  of  its  oppo- 
nent, like  the  dawn  above  the  mountain  top  in  the  face  of 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  321 

night.  The  little  man  Whifton  made  a  simple  motion  in 
behalf  of  good,  and  the  whole  institution  of  the  other  side 
trembled  to  its  center.  All  the  security  of  composure 
calculated  on  by  the  chief  availed  not  when  a  plea  for  rec- 
titude came  up  for  consideration.  He  found  his  position 
untenable,  his  reasons  flimsy  pretenses,  and  a  coil  of  anxi- 
ety winding  round  his  affairs,  threatening  disastrous  conse- 
quences. 

"  There  is  a  difficulty  impossible  to  surmount,"  resumed 
the  Judge,  "  in  Herondine's  case.  I  pledged  my  word  to 
the  detective  bureau  that  I  would  witness  the  lowering  of 
his  coffin  into  the  grave  tomorrow  morning,  and  I  cannot 
withdraw  my  promise." 

"That  can  be  easily  met,"  returned  Whifton.  "The 
coffin  intended  for  Herondine  can  be  carried  to  the  grave 
and  buried,  but  he  need  not  be  in  it  —  don't  you  see?  " 

"Ah,  Whifton,  you  should  be  major  here,"  said  the 
Judge,  with  a  long-drawn  sigh.  "You  have  defeated  me 
on  my  own  ground,  but  I  admire  you  all  the  same." 

After  the  adjournment  of  the  lodge,  Whifton's  plan  for 
Herondine's  release  became  known  to  the  members  of  it, 
and  preparations  were  made  by  the  outside  guard  to  escort 
him  through  the  Confederate  lines. 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 

A   PECULIAR   NIGHT    BIRD. 


IT  was  late  in  the  night  when  Aunt  Frill  and  her  com- 
panions lost  hope  of  Herondine  gaining  his  liberty. 
As  intimated  in  a  previous  chapter,  they  had  settled  down 
to  the  indulgence  of  extreme  grief  when  it  became  under- 


322  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

stood  that  no  one  to  whom  application  had  been  made  was 
willing  to  undertake  the  pleading  of  so  complicated  a  case 
as  his  lest  the  intercessor  should  invoke  unforeseen  trouble 
on  himself.  To  avoid  attracting  undue  attention  while 
mourning  for  the  fate  of  their  dear  relative,  the  lights  were 
extinguished  in  the  sitting  room  and  the  ladies  congre- 
gated in  the  recess  of  a  large  bay  window  overlooking  one 
of  the  streets  of  the  city.  Aunt  Frill,  although  imbued 
with  as  deep  sorrow  as  Grace  Herondine  or  Aunt  Fun  ton, 
yet  out  of  curiosity  peered  into  the  night  and  listened  to 
its  combination  of  sounds. 

From  the  distance  deep-toned  noises  came  to  the  ears, 
varied  and  startling,  as  if  heavy  cannon  were  jolted  against 
the  earth  and  great  wagons  laden  with  material  were  rolled 
over  the  macadamized  roads.  At  intervals  there  were  heard 
lesser  sounds  —  the  tread  of  troops  of  horse,  the  hammer- 
ing of  workmen  on  wooden  structures,  or  the  accidental 
jar  of  two  substances  in  collision.  Aunt  Frill  knew  what 
these  meant  —  the  building  of  fortifications  around  Rich- 
mond. On  the  street  in  their  immediate  vicinity,  the 
stream  of  pedestrians  had  grown  gradually  less  as  the  night 
advanced,  like  the  thinning  out  of  leaves  from  the  trees  by 
the  first  blasts  of  autumn  winds.  It  was  singular  how  this 
decreasing  of  individuals  on  the  sidewalks  seemed  to  follow 
a  universal  law.  At  the  midnight  hour  the  moving  mass 
had  disappeared,  but,  strange  to  say,  a  new  phase  of  human 
life  was  just  beginning  to  exhibit  itself.  Here  and  there 
could  be  detected  a  listless  wanderer  whose  direction  and 
aim  seemed  purposeless.  Some  of  these  strollers  had  been 
ejected  from  saloons  in  such  a  maudlin  condition  as  to  be 
unable  to  determine  where  they  were  going ;  others  seemed 
intent  on  seeking  an  open  hostelry  as  a  substitute  for  the 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  323 

place  just  left,  in  the  hope  of  meeting  some  boon  compan- 
ion and  continuing  their  carousal ;  while  a  third  class  found 
comfort  or  heart  solace  in  the  shadow  of  the  tall  buildings 
of  obscure  streets  where  narrow  lanes  and  alleys  abounded, 
dyed  black  in  the  darkness  of  night,  in  the  absence  of  their 
fellow-men,  in  the  silence  and  irresponsibility  of  their  sur- 
roundings, and  in  the  reflection,  ignorantly  foolish  in 
itself,  that  God  was  not  there.  Aunt  Frill  also  knew  that 
these  unfortunates  had  been  called  "night  birds,"  and  that 
they  were  not  inhabitants  of  any  one  particular  city,  but 
could  be  detected  everywhere  on  the  face  of  the  earth  where 
large  congregations  of  people  resided  with  or  without  civ- 
ilization. 

While  cogitating  on  this  curious  fact,  Aunt  Frill  saw  two 
horsemen  ride  suddenly  into  view.  They  appeared  to  be 
bearers  of  important  news,  and  to  follow  the  custom  of 
army  men  by  their  fearless  demeanor,  quick  movements, 
and  nonchalant  air,  for  their  faces  were  turned  towards 
each  other  as  if  they  were  engaged  in  conversation.  These 
minute  details  had  no  more  than  taken  possession  of  her 
mind  when  she  experienced  a  genuine  surprise.  The 
horsemen  pulled  up  in  front  of  the  house !  One  of  the 
men,  dismounting,  threw  his  bridle  reins  to  his  companion 
and  proceeded  to  pull  off  his  gloves,  or  gauntlets,  such  as 
troopers  wear.  Aunt  Frill  could  perceive  that  he  was 
quite  a  small  man,  and  muffled  so  as  to  conceal  his  features. 
Irresistibly  the  sentence  flashed  through  her  thoughts, 
"This  is  a  peculiar  night  bird";  but  she  arose  in  much 
agitation,  telling  her  companions  that  messengers  were 
before  the  front  door,  possibly  carrying  some  news  of 
Herondine.  This  revelation  caused  a  general  disturbance 
among  the  ladies,  for  it  was  the  last  incident  they  expected 


324  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

to  occur  of  all  probable  or  possible.  Hearing  a  knocking 
on  the  street  door,  Aunt  Frill  threw  up  the  window  and 
inquired  the  purport  of  the  visit  and  the  purpose  of  the 
visitor. 

"  Is  there  a  lady  here  with  two  aunts?  "  said  the  man. 

"Yes,"  answered  Aunt  Frill,  "  Mrs.  Grace  Herondine." 

The  trooper  raised  his  hand  as  a  signal  of  silence,  saying 
as  he  did  so  : 

"  Please,  madam,  don't  mention  names.  However,  it 
will  save  further  questioning.  It  is  really  so.  Tell  the 
lady  to  step  forward.' 

Aunt  Frill  retired  and  Grace  Herondine  appeared  at  the 
window.  The  little  trooper  held  some  papers  in  his  hand, 
but  with  the  other  he  drew  the  muffling  closer  around  his 
neck  and  seemed  to  hesitate  before  he  began  to  speak.  No 
doubt  the  form  of  the  beautiful  lady  drove  him  into  a  sur- 
prise from  which  he  could  not  instantaneously  recover. 
His  voice,  too,  trembled  as  he  said  in  low  tones : 

"A  friend  of  your  husband,  and,  I  may  say,  of  yours, 
has  appeared  here  within  the  last  few  hours  and  taken  a 
great  interest  in  his  case." 

"  Oh,  it  is  the  President  in  Washington  that  has  sent 
one!"  said  Grace  Herondine  hastily;  but  as  the  man 
shook  his  head  to  indicate  his  dissent  from  the  truth  of  that 
proposition,  she  continued,  "or,  perhaps,  the  commanding 
general  of  the  Northern  army  or  some  of  the  men  whom 
my  aunt  has  seen  today." 

The  little  visitor  seemed  distressed  by  this  speech.  He 
muttered  some  incoherent  words  that  none  of  the  listeners 
understood.  He  spoke  to  his  own  heart  thus:  "Oh,  why 
did  I  come  so  near  to  her  and  have  a  part  of  my  beautiful 
dream  dispelled  !  "  Then  he  resumed  his  conversation. 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  325 

"  The  person  is  a  stranger  to  you,  madam,  and  probably 
ever  will  be.  Our  time  is  limited  :  listen  to  what  I  have  to 
say.  Your  husband's  release  is  assured;  the  why  and  the 
wherefore  may  be  determined  hereafter.  It  is  not  that  he 
will  be  aided  in  making  his  escape,  but  that  he  will  be 
given  unconditional  liberty  and  an  escort  to  convey  him 
beyond  the  lines  of  the  Confederate  army  around  Rich- 
mond. Notwithstanding  all  this,  madam,  the  utmost 
caution  is  necessary  so  that  this  generous  act  may  not  mis- 
carry or  be  diverted  from  its  first  purpose.  Therefore  pro- 
cure a  conveyance  at  once  to  carry  you  and  your  friends  to 
the  point  indicated  in  this  note  written  by  your  husband." 

Grace  seized  the  note,  and,  stepping  backward  to  a  light 
which  had  just  been  procured  by  Aunt  Frill,  recognized 
Herondine's  writing.  In  this  communication  she  was 
requested  to  repair  without  delay  to  a  certain  village,  where 
he  would  join  her  and  from  which  they  could  travel  home- 
ward in  safety.  As  Grace  returned  to  the  window  to 
thank  the  messenger,  she  was  handed  another  paper. 

"It  is  a  pass,"  said  the  little  man.  "I  understand," 
he  continued,  "  that  the  owner  of  this  house  where  you  are 
rooming  has  a  rig  that  will  carry  you  and  your  people 
through  the  lines.  This  seems  all  there  is  to  do." 

He  hesitated  an  instant  as  if  about  to  add  something 
more ;  and  Grace,  on  her  part,  was  going  to  make  further 
inquiry  regarding  the  generous  liberator  of  her  husband, 
but  said  to  herself,  "Alton  B.  will  know."  She  merely 
repeated  aloud  to  the  trooper : 

"Thank  you." 

In  an  instant  the  little  man  regained  his  saddle,  turned 
his  horse's  head  in  the  direction  whence  he  had  come,  and 
rode  off  in  a  lope  accompanied  by  his  companion. 


326  IN'  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

Then  there  began  hurried  preparations  for  departure  in 
the  apartments  occupied  by  Herondine's  friends.  They 
were  so  overwhelmed  with  joy  that  they  spoke  and  acted 
like  crazy  folks.  They  giggled,  laughed  hysterically,  and 
screamed  in  suppressed  voices.  Aunt  Frill,  who  at  inter- 
vals enjoined  caution,  was  affected  as  much  as  Grace 
Herondine  or  Aunt  Funton,  but,  notwithstanding,  she 
attended  carefully  to  every  detail  essential  to  the  important 
occasion.  In  half  an  hour  the  party  was  ready  and  started 
under  the  guidance  of  the  Southern  man  with  the  Northern 
wife,  who  had  acquired  full  assurance  that  the  movement 
was  in  every  way  legitimate. 

It  will  be  readily  understood  by  the  intelligent  reader 
that  the  little  trooper  who  carried  the  important  message 
to  Grace  Herondine  was  no  other  than  Crow  Whifton. 
Through  his  interference  the  two  guards  under  the  com- 
mand of  Hamilton  Hitch  were  ordered  to  perform  extra 
duty  that  night  so  as  to  effect  the  liberation  of  Herondine 
before  daybreak.  The  undertaking  was  difficult  and  tedi- 
ous; but  Whifton,  the  hero  of  the  hour,  worked  with 
uncommon  energy,  infusing  his  spirit  also  into  his  compan- 
ions for  the  same  purpose.  To  secure  the  faith  of  the 
ladies  in  the  plan  he  saw  it  would  be  necessary  to  have  a 
note  in  Herondine's  handwriting,  and  hence  he  deputized 
Greenlaugh  to  procure  it  for  him.  Greenlaugh  waited  on 
Herondine  with  the  air  of  one  who  had  been  a  special 
friend  all  his  lifetime. 

"My  dear  sir,"  he  said  on  entering  the  cell  where  the 
prisoner  was  confined,  "we  would  never  permit  you  to 
suffer.  The  Judge  has  the  reputation  of  being  cruel,  but 
you  will  now  understand  how  liberal  he  is.  He  has  just 
ordered  your  release.  On  the  request  of  a  friend,  he  read- 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  327 

ily  consented  to  let  you  go.  We  are  all  glad  of  it,  and 
propose  to  escort  you  beyond  the  city  tonight.  Write, 
therefore,  a  few  lines  to  your  wife,  giving  the  necessary 
information  where  to  meet  you,  and  we  shall  deliver  the 
note  to  her  without  delay.  Of  course,  you  understand  we 
all  must  do  things  very  quietly,  on  account  of  the  unfortu- 
nate condition  of  the  country." 

Herondine  could  scarcely  believe  the  tidings  true.  He 
wrote  the  lines  asked  for,  however,  knowing  there  was  no 
compromise  in  so  doing,  and  prepared  for  departure  when 
his  keepers  deemed  the  time  propitious. 

"To  whom  am  I  indebted  for  this  generous  act?"  he 
inquired;  for  he  felt,  no  matter  what  his  character,  he 
would  reward  without  stint  the  man  instrumental  in  deliv- 
ering him  from  death. 

Greenlaugh  smiled,  but  did  not  answer  directly.  In 
addition  to  his  other  accomplishments,  he  was  a  great  liar 
—  a  fault  which  no  amount  of  exposure  was  ever  able  to 
amend. 

"It  is  not  known  who  the  friend  was,"  he  replied. 
"  We  all  had  a  hand  in  it,  because  we  hated  to  see  you  pass 
in  your  checks  so  soon." 

"  What  a  generous  crowd  you  are!  "  said  Herondine  in 
a  burst  of  enthusiasm.  "  Now  that  you  remind  me  of  the 
fact,  I  have  remarked  the  orderly  and  good-natured  behav- 
ior of  the  men  in  this  establishment.  They  are  all  gray- 
haired,  too,  showing  benevolence  and  sanctity  above  the 
average  military  man." 

"Oh,  my  dear  sir!"  returned  Greenlaugh,  bubbling 
with  suppressed  laughter,  "  you  have  no  idea  of  their  vir- 
tues. I  could  easily  spend  hours  at  a  time  recounting 
instances  of  the  goodness  of  heart  existing  among  them. 


328  /Ar  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

It  is  a  thing  worth  remembering —  they  even  go  the  length 
of  sharing  each  other's  gains." 

At  the  conclusion  of  this  significant  eulogy  Greenlaugh 
bowed  himself  out  of  the  cell,  leaving  Herondine  under 
the  impression  that  the  captain  of  the  inside  guard  was  one 
of  the  most  pleasant  and  honorable  men  on  either  side  of 
Dixie's  line.  It  was  then  that  Whifton,  accompanied  by 
Greenlaugh,  visited  Grace  Herondine  and  arranged  for  her 
transit  through  the  city.  This  done,  as  already  recounted, 
he  summoned  the  detail  of  mounted  men  designed  to 
accompany  Herondine. 

In  order  to  prevent  officious  questions  from  detaining 
them  on  suspicion  of  the  real  intent  of  their  march, 
Whifton  had  a  blouse  and  hat  of  one  of  the  guards  con- 
veyed to  Herondine  with  instructions  to  wear  them  and 
appear  as  if  he  belonged  to  the  troop,  as  Whifton  himself 
had  done.  Greenlaugh  was  selected  to  command;  and, 
the  Judge  having  furnished  the  necessary  papers  which 
authorized  this  body  of  local  cavalry  to  travel  wherever 
their  commanding  officer  pleased,  Herondine,  mounted  on 
a  spirited  animal,  started  with  them  through  the  darkness 
on  his  way  to  liberty.  On  the  march  the  men  rode  two 
abreast,  Greenlaugh  being  on  the  left  of  the  front  file, 
where  Herondine  had  been  placed,  while  Whifton  made  up 
the  single  file  in  the  rear,  closely  muffled  so  as  to  conceal 
his  identity.  Thus  Herondine  and  Greenlaugh  had  ample 
opportunity  of  conversing  on  leading  questions  of  the 
times,  leaving  Whifton  to  commune  with  his  own  thoughts 
on  the  past  and  future.  All  these  features  of  the  journey 
had  been  prearranged,  Whifton  desiring  on  his  part  abso- 
lute immunity  from  recognition.  Herondine,  therefore, 
did  not  know  of  him  whether  he  had  been  long  with  the 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  329 

troop  or  a  mere  stranger,  or  that  such  a  man  as  Crow 
Whifton  existed,  although,  doubtless,  he  observed  the 
strange  appearance  of  the  single  file  in  the  rear. 

This  singular  reticence  and  love  of  being  apart  from 
social  intercourse  with  his  fellow-men  made  Whifton's 
thoughts  valuable,  because  he  reasoned  not  for  opinion's 
sake  but  for  the  purpose  of  discovering  the  whole  truth. 
This  method,  trifling  as  it  appeared,  gave  him  immense 
power.  When,  in  Washington,  he  had  heard  of  Heron- 
dine's  capture,  he  compared  the  fact  with  some  information 
he  had  obtained  from  the  stable  man  of  Omaha,  now 
wounded  in  the  hospital,  concerning  Hamilton  Hitch. 
This  man,  the  hostler,  was  a  novice  in  thievery  (for  he  had 
been  approached  by  Hitch),  and  understood  that  Whifton 
was  serving  a  similar  term  under  the  tutelage  of  the  man 
just  named,  because  he  had  seen  them  together  during  the 
balmy  days  before  the  war.  Through  this  source  Whif- 
ton discovered  that  Herondine  would  be  tried  as  a  spy  by 
the  very  man  from  whom  no  mercy  could  be  expected.  It 
was  then  he  became  meditative,  as  seen  in  the  hospital  at 
Washington,  and  in  due  time  came  to  the  conclusion  that 
he  could  rescue  Herondine  single-handed  if  such  jurisdic- 
tion as  reported  secretly  to  him  had  been  given  Hamilton 
Hitch.  During  this  period  he  clutched  the  triangular 
badge  as  a  thing  of  value.  It  was  the  symbol  of  mysteri- 
ous brotherhood  existing  between  them,  and  would  prove 
itself  at  the  proper  moment.  If  it  had  been  given  him  as 
a  sign  of  membership  in  a  gang  such  as  Hamilton  Hitch 
loved  all  his  lifetime,  was  it  likely  that  the  Judge  would 
turn  aside  now  from  his  ruling  passion  just  on  account  of 
his  position  and  surroundings?  Oh,  no,  no!  Whifton 
knew  better,  even  though  he  had  been  but  a  dealer  in  trifles. 


330  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

Therefore,  reasoning  up  to   this  point,  he  determined  on 
going  to  Richmond,  satisfied  he  could  save  Herondine. 

There  was  another  question  to  be  considered  —  indeed, 
the  most  important  of  all.  Whifton  was  really  an  honest 
man  :  how,  then,  could  he  become  an  organized  thief  and 
be  still  honest  ?  He  would  sacrifice  himself,  he  said  men- 
tally, for  her  sake  —  his  secret  love.  If  she  were  happy, 
of  what  consequence  was  it  whether  he  was  within  or  with- 
out the  ban  of  the  law?  Whatever  transpired,  the  reten- 
tion of  his  ideal  love  was  a  certainty.  Besides,  there  was 
no  other  method  possible  by  which  Herondine  could  be 
saved;  and,  what  was  also  singular,  with  none  other  than 
a  thoroughly  corrupt  judge,  villainous  in  the  extreme, 
could  this  be  done.  Thus,  although  committed  to  evil 
through  the  force  of  circumstances,  he  would  achieve  an 
immense  amount  of  good ;  that  is,  he  espoused  evil  to  win 
good,  inadvertently  stumbling  on  the  far-famed  theory  that 
"The  end  justifies  the  means."  He  did  not  question 
whether  the  good  gained  would  be  sufficient  in  the  estima- 
tion of  the  Supreme  Power  to  cancel  the  evil  and  leave  a 
balance  of  good  to  the  credit  of  the  operator,  because  he 
knew  not  how  the  Supreme  Power  would  judge  him  ;  but 
his  heart  and  his  spirit  urged  him  to  the  performance  of 
the  noble  deed  at  any  price  or  at  any  cost.  His  method 
would  doubtless  be  condemned  by  his  fellow-men.  He 
was  more  or  less,  on  his  own  part,  terrorized  by  the  easy 
transition  from  theory  such  as  came  to  him  in  Council 
Bluffs  to  the  reality  of  the  first  degree  in  crime  in  the  lodge 
at  Richmond,  with  its  secret  purposes,  its  brotherhood 
sworn  to  be  faithful  to  each  other  at  the  expense  of  the 
people  at  large,  and  its  stamp  of  eternal  exclusion  from 
that  liberty  of  soul  which  every  good  man  loves  to  possess ; 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  331 

yet,  when  he  turned  to  the  secret  motive  that  guided  him, 
all  appeared  well.  Having  secured  the  main  facts  —  or 
essential  truths,  as  they  might  be  called  —  regarding  the 
case  of  Herondine  and  his  judge,  the  remaining  details 
were  easy  of  accomplishment.  He  procured  a  settlement  of 
his  account  from  the  War  Department;  the  good  President 
Lincoln  gave  him  a  pass  through  the  Northern  lines ;  and  as 
a  civilian  at  large  he  made  his  way  to  Richmond.  With  his 
peddling  propensities  and  knowledge  of  human  nature,  he 
soon  found  where  Herondine  was  confined  and  the  outward 
character  of  Judge  Neverfail.  We  know  what  followed. 

Whifton  now  felt  like  the  hero  of  a  great  battle ;  his 
designs  were  coming  to  a  close  crowned  with  unexampled 
success.  From  the  moment  he  stood  in  the  doorway  of 
Judge  Hitch's  chambers  everything  went  his  own  way. 
There  were  opposition  and  contention,  but  for  him  there 
resulted  no  failure.  Like  what  may  be  written  of  Michael, 
he  had  the  power  of  good  to  assist  him  at  the  same  time 
that  he  knew  the  vulnerable  parts  of  his  archenemy.  It  will 
not  be  difficult  to  understand  this  condition  of  success 
when  we  reflect  that  what  Whifton  had  assumed  to  be  true 
was  really  so,  and  hence  when  he  came  to  conclusions  he 
found  them  correct.  The  exultation  of  spirit  which  forced 
itself  upon  him  as  he  rode  on  this  eventful  night  in  Heron- 
dine's  escort  was  something  awful.  He  was  like  one  en- 
tranced by  a  celestial  vision  which  erased  everything  from 
the  memory  but  joy.  Instinctively  he  recognized  the 
beings  in  front  of  him,  but  his  inner  self  was  the  custodian 
of  his  thoughts  and  the  only  witness  of  his  happiness. 
How  he  chuckled  behind  the  mask  of  his  high  coat  collar 
and  the  deep  darkness  of  night,  free  from  the  obtrusive 
gaze  of  the  heartless  boor  and  the  sneer  of  the  idiot ! 


332  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

The  escort  was  challenged  several  times  while  en  route 
to  its  destination ;  but  the  smiling  countenance  of  Green- 
laugh,  backed  by  the  authority  vested  in  him,  removed 
every  barrier  and  silenced  the  clatter  of  every  questioning 
tongue.  It  was  the  last  hour  of  the  night  when  the  troop 
came  to  the  appointed  place  of  meeting.  The  darkness 
had  become  deeper  than  before,  as  if  it  had  concentrated 
itself  for  the  purpose  of  holding  further  sway  over  the 
domain  of  space  then  in  its  possession,  irrespective  of  the 
claims  of  any  disputant.  Greenlaugh,  having  been  posted 
in  regard  to  the  identity  of  the  house  where  Herondine's 
friends  were  waiting,  halted  his  men  before  a  handsome 
residence  which,  notwithstanding  the  unseasonable  hour, 
had  a  light  in  each  of  the  front  windows.  The  captain,  dis- 
mounting, advanced  and  tapped  lightly  on  the  door,  which 
was  immediately  opened,  revealing  the  forms  of  three  ladies 
in  the  hall  light  within.  Greenlaugh,  after  a  few  words  of 
introduction,  wheeled  round,  and,  drawing  his  sword, 
which  is  customary  when  an  officer  gives  a  command,  said : 

"  Le  Count  Herondine,  dismount,  advance." 

Then  the  soldierly  figure  of  Herondine  was  seen  issuing 
from  the  gloom  into  the  light.  The  captain  stepped  aside ; 
and  Grace  Herondine,  coming  from  the  hall  of  the  domi- 
cile, received  her  husband  in  her  arms.  There  was  a  wild 
and  passionate  ecstasy  exhibited  by  these  two  people  which 
the  good  only  are  destined  to  enjoy.  The  cup  of  their 
happiness  was  full  to  overflowing.  Having  tasted  the 
bitterness  of  adversity,  they  had  come  to  the  understanding 
of  the  nature  of  true  bliss. 

Every  one  present,  even  the  restless  Greenlaugh,  feared 
to  move  lest  the  joy  of  these  two  loving  hearts  should  be 
disturbed  by  the  slightest  interruption.  Whifton's  dimin- 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  333 

utive  form,  as  it  appeared  in  the  darkness,  resembled  that 
of  a  minor  god.  There  was  a  majestic  air  connected  with 
it,  due  to  internal  light,  as  if  the  mind  had  become  pos- 
sessed of  some  golden  achievement  unseen  by  human  eye, 
but  far-reaching  in  its  power  to  entrance  with  acute  glad- 
ness the  sensibilities  of  man.  Notwithstanding  the  gravity 
of  his  demeanor,  the  curves  bounding  the  outline  of  his 
person  showed  one  in  deep  sympathy  with  the  principal 
actors  of  the  scene.  Every  movement  made  by  the  hus- 
band and  wife  was  scrutinized  by  him  with  the  keenest 
earnestness ;  but  when  he  witnessed  their  embrace  and  un- 
bounded gratification,  great  tears  rolled  down  his  cheeks, 
which  the  obscurity  of  the  situation  fortunately  hid  from 
view.  He,  Whifton,  had  won  for  his  love  that  which  she 
desired  most.  Therefore  he  had  made  her  most  happy. 
The  price  paid  for  his  own  sacrifice  was  here  given  up. 
His  reward  was  on  hand  —  that  consciousness  of  magnanim- 
ity which  in  life  nothing  can  destroy.  The  terms  of  the 
contract  with  his  heart  on  the  one  side  and  his  conscience 
on  the  other  were  ratified,  and  the  greatest  act  of  his  life 
Avas  finished.  Henceforth  reflection  would  multiply  his 
joy  until  he  became  like  a  divine  person,  happy  in  a  world 
of  unhappiness.  Even  the  gloom  which  at  that  moment 
encompassed  him  seemed  fringed  with  purple  and  azure 
associated  with  bursts  of  brilliant  light  more  fascinating  to 
the  vision  than  day.  He  imagined  he  discerned  long 
avenues  of  picturesque  scenery,  with  glimpses  of  pale  luster 
beyond,  and  bright  colors  lining  the  hillsides  and  highways 
to  perfect  a.  view  that  none  but  the  great  of  soul  can  ever 
behold. 

Herondine,  after  entering  the  house,  returned  immedi- 
ately,   and,    addressing    Greenlaugh,    thanked    him    and 


334  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

through  him  the  men  in  a  neat  speech.  He  then  handed 
the  captain  a  purse  of  money  as  a  souvenir  of  his  good 
will,  to  be  distributed  among  them  ;  and  added,  if  Green- 
laugh  ever  desired  service  in  the  North,  he,  Herondine, 
would  most  certainly  secure  it  for  him. 

Shortly  after  he  had  ceased  speaking,  a  vehicle  resem- 
bling a  stagecoach  came  up  to  the  front  door,  into  which 
Herondine,  his  wife,  and  his  aunts  were  handed.  Then 
the  driver,  seizing  the  reins,  cracked  his  whip,  which  was 
the  signal  for  departure,  called  alternately  the  names  of  his 
horses;  and  springing  into  the  road  in  response  to  the 
appeal,  the  spirited  animals  moved  away  at  a  gallop. 

Whifton  returned  to  Richmond  with  the  troop  so  as  to 
obtain  full  instructions  in  regard  to  his  new  duties  at 
Council  Bluffs  ;  for  he  had  determined  on  engaging  again 
in  business  at  that  thriving  point,  being  fully  satisfied  also 
that  a  three-months'  campaign  ending  in  a  great  battle, 
of  which  he  had  been  a  participant,  was  sufficient  warfare 
for  a  little  man  of  his  physical  capabilities. 

The  sun  had  not  yet  risen  when  Greenlaugh's  command 
returned  to  quarters.  Shortly  afterwards  a  bell  was  heard 
tolling  a  funeral  knell  Whifton  knew  this  was  designed 
to  represent  the  burial  of  Herondine.  From  a  convenient 
place  he  witnessed  the  mock  procession,  and,  looking  up, 
saw  Hamilton  Hitch  in  a  morning  gown  gazing  from  a 
window  as  Herondine's  coffin  was  lowered  into  the  grave. 

Before  noon  of  the  same  day  Whifton  received  his  final 
instructions  regarding  the  organization  of  a  lodge  of 
thieves  in  the  vicinity  of  Council  Bluffs.  As  a  mark  of 
distinction,  Whifton  need  not  personally  participate  in  the 
acts  performed  by  the  other  members,  but  judge  and  direct 
them  like  the  chief  at  Richmond.  Then  the  little  trooper, 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  335 

resigning  his  horse  and  uniform  for  the  less  gaudy  habili- 
ments of  a  civilian,  journeyed  homeward,  verifying  Aunt 
Frill's  idea  that,  either  from  a  good  or  a  bad  standpoint, 
he  was  "a  peculiar  night  bird." 


CHAPTER  XXV. 

A   SPIRIT   THAT    RESPONDED. 

IT  was  singular  Furflew's  adventures  were  as  exciting  and 
dangerous  in  his  new  field  of  operations  as  those  of 
Herondine  just  related.  Ordered  to  Saint  Louis  from 
Washington  with  the  reputation  of  being  an  experienced 
and  reliable  spy,  he  was  assigned  to  a  hazardous  duty  con- 
nected with  the  military  operations  then  in  progress  in 
Missouri.  While  he  had  Herondine  as  a  guide  and  ventril- 
oquism as  a  stock  in  trade,  Furflew  had  been  comparatively 
safe  in  the  past;  but  now,  when  thrown  wholly  on  his  own 
resources,  where  the  employment  of  sound  judgment  was 
an  absolute  necessity,  he  became  restive  under  the  self- 
consciousness  of  insecurity  which  his  surroundings  entailed. 
Besides,  the  detective  force  on  the  side  of  the  South  had 
gained  a  description  of  him  through  the  sharp  practice  of 
Danderton  Hitch.  On  this  account  he  feared  to  renew  the 
demonstrations  of  his  favorite  arts,  but,  instead,  dressed  to 
represent  a  traveling  agent,  easily  seen  to  be  spurious.  On 
the  third  day  after  passing  through  the  Confederate  lines 
he  was  captured  and  his  true  character  ascertained.  The 
position  of  the  Confederates  being  uncertain  in  Missouri 
at  that  time,  it  was  determined  to  settle  all  trivial  cases  like 
Furflew's  with  the  utmost  dispatch;  therefore  he  was  led 
out  to  be  hung  to  the  nearest  tree  in  the  vicinity  of  the 


336  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

cantonment.  On  this  occasion  there  was  some  show  of 
merriment  at  his  expense,  one  of  the  men  asking  him  in  a 
jeering  way  why  he  had  not  selected  a  profession  less  liable 
to  elevate  a  body.  To  this  and  other  questions  of  a  simi- 
lar kind  Furflew  made  no  reply.  He  had  made  up  his 
mind  that  his  last  hour  on  earth  had  come,  and  hence  it 
seemed  immaterial  to  him  whether  his  captors  took  excep- 
tion to  his  silence  or  otherwise.  As  a  solace  to  his  mind 
he  began  reviewing  his  own  life  and  calculating  what  he 
might  have  been  if  he  had  followed  some  other  course. 
This  gave  him  a  little  comfort,  for  the  ideal  carried  with  it 
atoms  of  consolation  for  distress  far  beyond  the  power  of 
the  real  to  produce.  He  thought  of  Herondine,  of  his 
cleverness,  his  patriotism,  and  the  loss  his  death  would 
bring  .to  the  ranks  of  the  detective  forces  of  the  North. 
These  reflections  accompanied  the  preparations  going  on 
for  his  execution.  It  is  possible  his  peculiar  thoughts  were 
evoked  through  that  means.  He  saw  the  rope  with  a  noose, 
the  barrel  upon  which  he  was  to  stand,  and  the  tree  from 
whose  stout  limb  he  would  end  his  career  on  earth.  Nay, 
he  mounted  the  barrel;  the  rope  was  placed  around  his 
neck ;  his  hands  were  tied  behind  his  back  ;  and  the  execu- 
tioner was  about  to  secure  the  other  end  of  the  rope  to  the 
tree,  judging  the  proper  distance,  when  a  man  in  the 
crowd  made  a  movement  demanding  a  little  delay,  as  if  he 
had  not  been  fully  satisfied  of  the  guilt  of  the  accused. 
The  question  was  then  propounded  for  Furflew : 

"  Have  you  any  friend  that  would  volunteer  to  say  a 
word  in  your  behalf?  " 

Furflew  started  as  if  awakened  from  a  dream.  His  mind 
flew  to  several  persons  in  succession,  but  as  quickly  did  he 
turn  away  from  them,  concluding  that  the  mention  of  their 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  337 

names  could  not  serve  him  in  the  present  emergency.  He 
thought  of  his  wife,  from  whom  he  had  divorced  himself. 
Perhaps  she  had  come  west  and  would  influence  the  persons 
concerned  in  his  present  difficulties  so  as  to  induce  them  to 
set  him  at  liberty ;  but  when  he  fixed  his  thoughts  on  her 
as  a  possible  companion  in  the  future,  he  raised  his  eyes  to 
heaven  and  prayed,  '  O  God,  if  she  is  coming,  let  me  go 
out  by  way  of  the  rope!"  He  thought  also  of  Saracen 
Gay  and  Flappins;  but  he  remembered  when  he  quitted 
Washington  these  Southern  friends  of  his  were  in  that  city, 
and  he  was  afraid  to  mention  them  lest  on  investigation  his 
captors  might  become  acquainted  with  his  real  character. 
Seeing  the  quandary  in  which  Furflew  was  involved,  the 
executioner  shook  the  rope,  thinking  that  additional  fear 
might  possibly  aid  him  in  finding  an  answer.  This  rude 
method  of  calculation  seemed  to  produce  good  results,  for 
presently  Furflew  raised  his  head  and  replied  : 

"The  one  man  on  earth  who  ever  gave  me  an  insight 
into  human  power  was  Rob  Riddleton.  If  he  were  here, 
he  would  speak  for  me,  you  bet." 

Immediately  on  hearing  these  words  every  countenance 
changed  expression,  and,  for  the  matter  of  that,  every 
tongue  repeated  the  words,  ' '  Rob  Riddleton  ! ' '  with  the 
utmost  surprise.  These  were  trivial  incidents,  however, 
compared  with  what  then  transpired,  as  if  the  spirit  of  Rob 
Riddleton  had  responded  to  the  call  There  was  seen 
coming  into  camp  a  horseman  dashing  along  at  full  gallop. 
Furflew  had  seen  that  horseman  once  before,  coursing 
between  the  lines  on  the  morning  of  the  battle  of  Bull 
Run,  and  his  mouth  opened  in  wonder,  and  his  heart  pal- 
pitated with  expectation  far  beyond  that  exercised  by  the 
knowledge  of  the  approach  of  death.  Every  head  turned 


338  AV  7^HE  DEPTHS  OF 

to  behold  the  newcomer,  for  he  was  a  gallant-looking  man 
on  the  back  of  as  fine  a  horse  as  could  be  seen  among  ten 
thousand.  There  was  a  brilliant  luster  in  his  eyes  and  a 
bloom  upon  his  cheeks  that  a  drawing-room  beauty  might 
envy.  Some  of  the  men,  taking  off  their  caps,  shouted, 
"Welcome,  Rob  Riddleton !  "  It  appears  he  was  well 
known  to  them  as  a  Confederate  scout ;  and  on  this  occa- 
sion there  was  nothing  to  make  them  doubt  it,  for  he  was. 
dressed  in  the  full  uniform  of  one. 

"What  have  we  here,  Captain,"  he  said,  after  pulling  up 
in  front  of  the  condemned  man ;  and  without  waiting  for 
an  answer  continued:  "Why,  bless  my  soul!  it  is  Fur- 
flew,  one  of  my  men.  How  near  you  came,  Captain,  to 
the  commission  of  a  grave  mistake  !  I  heard  of  this  little 
affair  a  short  time  since,  and  came  prepared." 

Here  Rob  Riddleton  pulled  a  document  from  his  breast 
and  handed  it  to  the  man  in  charge.  It  was  an  order  for  the 
release  of  Furflew  signed  by  the  Southern  general  com- 
manding in  Missouri.  The  captain  of  the  detachment, 
feeling  himself  actually  in  error,  was  not  slow  in  setting  his 
prisoner  at  liberty,  with  many  excuses  to  the  scout  lest  he 
should  make  an  unfavorable  report  of  him  to  the  general. 
Riddleton  assured  him  there  would  be  no  further  words  on 
the  subject  by  him,  and,  pleasantly  bidding  the  men  good- 
bye, leisurely  rode  out  of  camp  accompanied  by  Furflew. 
When  a  short  distance  from  view  the  man  was  invited  to  a 
seat  behind  his  new  chief,  and  in  this  manner  was  con- 
veyed to  the  nearest  hamlet,  where  a  horse  was  procured 
for  him  and  the  journey  resumed.  All  these  movements 
were  made  with  the  utmost  caution  and  expedition. 

As  will  be  remembered,  Rob  Riddleton  was  playing  a 
dual  part.  He  was  one  of  the  chiefs  of  the  secret  service  in 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  339 

Saint  Louis  in  the  interests  of  the  North,  as  Herondine  was 
at  Washington ;  but,  unlike  Herondine,  he  took  extraor- 
dinary chances  and  boldly  assumed  the  garb  of  a  Confed- 
erate scout  when  it  suited  his  purpose.  On  the  occasion 
here  related,  he  was  absent  when  Furflew  was  assigned  to 
duty.  On  being  informed  of  the  detail,  however,  when  he 
returned,  he  saw  in  an  instant  that  the  man  would  lose  his 
life  on  account  of  the  nature  of  the  duty  if  he  did  not  send 
him  aid  at  once.  He  concluded  in  this  manner  because  he 
knew  Furflew's  capacity ;  and  in  his  judgment  his  mission 
would  be  a  failure  with  the  loss  of  a  man.  The  wonderful 
intrepidity  of  Riddleton,  however,  would  not  permit  him 
to  acknowledge  the  defeat  of  his  bureau.  He  took  the 
case  in  hand  regardless  of  danger  to  his  own  life,  and  trav- 
eled in  true  scout  fashion  until  he  actually  carried  Furflew 
off  from  the  gallows.  The  general's  order  was  bogus. 
Notwithstanding  his  success,  Rob  knew  instinctively  that 
he  could  practice  acts  of  this  kind  only  at  long  intervals, 
and  even  then  with  considerable  risk ;  for  the  detectives  of 
the  Confederacy  were  active,  efficient,  and  painstaking. 
It  was  true  many  regiments  of  the  Southern  army  knew 
him  as  a  Confederate  scout,  but  the  most  trivial  circum- 
stance might  at  any  time  reveal  his  true  character  and 
deliver  him  into  the  hands  of  his  enemies.  It  was  well 
that  he  took  the  precaution  of  beating  a  hasty  retreat  from 
the  cantonment  above  mentioned,  else  he  would  have  been 
captured  in  camp.  What  led  up  to  this  contingency  will 
be  seen  presently. 

The  secret  service  bureau  of  the  South  entertained  doubts 
as  to  the  genuine  character  of  Rob  Riddleton.  Indeed, 
there  were  reasons  and  reports  offered  to  show  that,  not- 
withstanding the  fact  that  some  Confederate  generals  con- 


340  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

sidered  him  "safe"  and  "true,"  he  was  an  emissary  of 
the  enemy.  Hence  he  had  long  been  marked  among  the 
suspects,  and  strict  orders  had  been  given  several  men  of 
the  department  to  dog  his  footsteps  with  the  ulterior  pur- 
pose of  arriving  at  the  truth  in  his  case. 

When  Danderton  Hitch  reported  the  capture  of  Heron- 
dine,  it  was  seen  he  was  an  adept  in  detective  work.  It 
was  conjectured  also  that  his  services  as  a  whole  had  been 
so  valuable  he  would  undoubtedly  be  promoted  to  the  line 
of  the  army  with  the  rank  of  brigadier  general.  As  an 
inducement  to  hasten  this  desirable  end,  it  was  thought 
wise  to  commit  into  his  hands  the  management  of  the 
Riddleton  problem.  With  this  understanding,  he  was 
hastily  ordered  to  change  station  and  look  out  for  his  sup- 
posed Northern  rival. 

In  the  field  of  his  new  duties  the  first  news  that  reached 
Danderton  was  the  secret  report  of  the  capture  of  Furflew, 
to  which  had  been  added  a  description  of  the  man.  The 
mention  of  Furflew's  broken  nose  brought  to  Danderton's 
mind  all  the  train  of  incidents  connected  with  his  own 
detective  service  in  which  the  spy  had  figured,  and  his 
gratification  and  curiosity  became  so  intense  that  he  deter- 
mined on  seeing  him  dead  or  alive.  With  this  idea  in 
view,  he  mounted  his  horse  and  rode  direct  for  the  canton 
ment  where  Furflew  was  detained,  on  the  same  day  that 
Rob  Riddleton  directed  a  similar  journey.  Thus  by  a 
series  of  curious  circumstances  two  of  the  foremost  scouts 
connected  with  the  civil  war  were  brought  together  as  i! 
it  had  been  designed  to  test  their  strength  and  capacity  by 
a  hand-to-hand  struggle.  It  was  not  more  than  an  hour 
after  the  disappearance  of  Riddleton  and  Furflew  until 
Danderton  came  into  camp.  He  was  accompanied  by  a 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  341 

posse  of  three  men  well  mounted  and  therefore  prepared  to 
carry  out  his  design  without  asking  for  further  aid.  On 
hearing  that  Riddleton  had  carried  Furflew  off  he  grew 
joyous  beyond  description.  He  made  no  comment  on  the 
action  of  the  captain  in  charge,  but  merely  asked  to  see  the 
order  on  which  the  late  prisoner  had  been  released.  Sat- 
isfied with  his  inspection,  and  learning  the  direction  taken 
by  the  fugitives,  he  at  once  spurred  his  horse  into  full  pur- 
suit, directing  his  men  at  the  same  time  to  follow  with 
equal  speed.  At  the  village  where  Rob  Riddleton  had 
procured  a  horse  for  Furflew  Danderton  received  further 
information  of  those  for  whom  he  was  in  quest.  They 
were  only  twenty  minutes  ahead.  This  fact  showed  he  had 
gained  on  the  party  on  account  of  the  delay,  or  slow 
motion,  made  by  it  from  the  camp  to  the  hamlet.  Dan- 
derton was  further  informed,  however,  that  the  men  were 
well  mounted  and  had  left  in  haste  as  if  aware  of  the  pur- 
suit. Inspired  by  his  success,  Danderton  grew  wild  with 
enthusiasm.  He  laughed  hysterically  while  tightening  his 
saddle  girths,  spoke  in  a  hurried  manner  to  his  compan- 
ions, instructing  them  meantime  in  regard  to  their  conduct 
in  the  anticipated  conflict;  "for,"  said  he,  while  spring- 
ing into  his  saddle,  "the  game  is  located."  Then  he  let 
the  reins  rest  on  his  horse's  neck  and  urged  him  to  full 
speed.  The  clatter  of  hoofs  on  the  road  accompanied  by 
a  cloud  of  dust  told  conclusively  that  his  assistants  under- 
stood what  was  required  of  them  and  were  fully  equal  to  the 
"occasion. 

Returning  again  to  Rob  Riddleton  and  Furflew,  we 
find,  after  leaving  the  village,  the  chief  admonishing  the 
man  of  the  necessity  of  steadiness  in  the  saddle  and  swift- 
ness of  pace.  There  were  fully  twenty  miles  to  be  covered 


342  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

before  reaching  anything  affording  safety,  and  it  was  pos- 
sible Rob's  bold  achievement  might  be  discovered  in  the 
meantime  and  proceedings  be  instituted  looking  towards 
his  arrest. 

As  for  Furflew,  he  no  longer  possessed  any  sense  of  fear. 
His  idol  was  by  his  side,  and  therefore  it  would  be  profa- 
nation to  doubt  his  power  in  any  extremity.  Was  he  not 
the  spirit  that  responded  so  promptly  to  his  call  when  on 
eternity's  brink?  No  other  than  Rob  Riddleton  could 
have  performed  such  a  wonderful  act.  It  seemed  like 
romance  or  impossibility.  The  glamour  which  encom- 
passed Furflew's  soul  while  witnessing  this  last  achievement 
promised  to  remain  with  him  forever.  First,  it  made  him 
dream  in  ecstasy,  then  voluble  and  high-spirited  as  if  he 
had  become  the  proud  possessor  of  half  the  world.  He 
raved  about  Rob,  told  him  of  Herondine's  capture,  of 
Saracen  Gay,  and  what  splendid  success  that  invariably 
followed  the  exercise  of  ventriloquism,  hypnotism,  and 
trick  of  the  loop. 

While  laughing  at  Furflew's  quaint  humor,  Riddleton 
looked  over  his  shoulder  along  a  curve  of  the  road  on 
which  they  had  just  passed,  and  behold  !  at  the  extremity 
of  it,  distant  about  two  miles,  he  saw  a  dark  mass  coming 
his  way.  Suddenly  he  became  grave,  gazing  more  intently 
at  this  suspicious  object.  Gradually  its  true  nature  was 
revealed.  It  consisted  of  a  small  body  of  horsemen  riding 
at  full  gallop,  evidently  charged  with  some  important  mis- 
sion. "Ah  !  "  said  Riddleton,  half  aloud,  "they  are  pur- 
suers, and  we're  the  pursued!"  Then  he  glanced  at  his 
horse,  patted  him  on  the  neck  lovingly,  gathered  up  the 
slack  parts  of  the  bridle  reins,  and,  saying  to  Furflew, 
"  Come,"  bent  to  the  distance  before  him  like  a  streak  of 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  343 

lightning.  In  vain  Furflew  attempted  to  keep  in  his  com- 
pany. After  riding  half  a  mile  Rob  came  to  the  conclusion 
he  must  either  abandon  the  man  or  drop  into  the  slow 
movement  of  his  horse  and  share  his  fate.  This  was  a 
very  unfortunate  predicament.  Rob's  own  swift  steed 
could  easily  distance  any  animal  on  the  road  and  carry  him 
safely  to  his  destination ;  but  if  he  took  advantage  of  these 
noble  traits  of  his  horse,  the  object  of  his  expedition  would 
end  in  failure  and  for  the  first  time  in  this  war  he  would  be 
obliged  to  acknowledge  defeat.  Riddleton  could  not 
brook  such  disastrous  conditions.  He  would,  he  thought, 
carry  his  designs  through  to  successful  completion  or  die  in 
the  attempt.  Arriving  at  this  conclusion,  he  wheeled  his 
horse  to  the  right-about,  galloped  towards  his  pursuers,  and 
urged  Furflew  to  greater  expedition. 

In  order  to  make  the  man  understand  the  situation,  he 
said,  "  The  Rebs  are  on  our  track  ";  and,  pointing  in  the 
direction  of  the  approaching  horsemen,  he  continued, 
"  They  are  right  here!" 

Furflew  whipped  his  horse  into  greater  speed.  While  he 
grew  troubled  as  a  consequence  of  hearing  such  unfavor- 
able news,  yet  he  did  not  lose  faith  in  the  power  of  his 
guide.  Smiling  through  his  excitement,  he  answered : 

"You're  worth  a  score  of  'em.  You  can  lay  'em  out  by 
the  dozen,  and  don't  you  forget  it." 

It  was  at  this  time  they  approached  a  crisis.  A  short 
distance  ahead  was  a  house  whose  appearance  indicated  that 
'it  was  devoted  to  the  business  of  refreshing  travelers.  All 
parties  viewed  it  with  eager  eyes.  Danderton  had  gradually 
lessened  the  distance  between  him  and  the  Riddleton  party. 
He  could  behold  the  situation  as  his  enemy  reached  the 
vicinity  of  the  house;  and  fearing  lest  aid  might  be  furnished 


344  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

him  —  for  Missouri  was  not  then  known  to  belong  to  either 
North  or  South  —  he  raised  a  rifle  which  had  been  secured 
to  the  pommel  of  his  saddle,  aimed,  and  fared.  Although 
fully  half  a  mile  away,  Riddleton's  horse  was  seen  to  fall, 
and  his  rider  roll  in  the  dust. 

"We've  got  him,"  shouted  Danderton,  as  he  slackened 
the  pace  of  his  horse  so  as  to  receive  the  congratulations  of 
his  companions,  who,  besides  according  him  well-merited 
praise,  cheered  lustily. 

When  Rob  Riddleton's  horse  fell  he  was  within  a  hun- 
dred feet  of  the  house  above  mentioned.  Rob  was  unhurt, 
and,  after  a  brief  acquaintance  with  the  soft  dust  of  the 
public  highway,  arose  and  ran  forward  vigorously.  He  did 
this  so  as  to  direct  Furflew  how  to  act  without  the  delay  of 
an  instant,  for  he  saw  something  that  might  probably  render 
them  assistance.  It  was  a  two-horse  team  standing  in  front 
of  the  hotel,  harnessed  to  a  light  ambulance,  and  owned, 
no  doubt,  by  a  person  refreshing  himself  in  the  wayside 
caravansary.  Without  a  moment's  hesitation  he  motioned 
Furflew  to  take  the  team.  This  order  was  promptly  obeyed, 
Furflew  jumping  on  to  the  box  seat  while  Rob  took  posses- 
sion of  the  center  of  the  conveyance.  What  was  their 
astonishment  and  dismay  on  finding,  while  attempting  to 
drive,  that  the  horses  would  not  move.  They  were  a  pair 
of  balky  animals  just  abandoned  so  as  to  give  them  time  to 
get  rid  of  their  irritability.  At  the  door  of  the  hostelry 
stood  the  owner  of  the  vehicle  smiling  at  the  discomfiture 
of  the  men,  and  in  no  way  angry  at  their  conduct,  for  he 
was  well  aware  they  could  not  drive  off.  Furflew  whipped 
the  animals  to  no  purpose ;  but  Rob,  turning  to  the  man  at 
the  door,  said,  "I'll  settle  for  this  rig  hereafter";  and  the 
person  addressed,  still  holding  to  his  first  opinion,  that  the 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  345 

aforesaid  rig  could  not  be  moved,  nodded  an  assent.  Then 
Rob  seized  the  reins  and  began  the  whistling  of  a  melodi- 
ous tune  that  attracted  every  ear  and  soothed  every  living 
individuality  within  its  range.  It  was  loud  without  harsh- 
ness, exceedingly  rich  in  tone  like  the  exquisite  note  of  the 
blackbird,  and  rolled  into  symphonies  one  after  the  other 
until  the  listeners  were  charmed  even  into  laughter.  The 
time,  place,  and  the  danger  threatening  them  seemed  only 
to  add  to  its  fascination.  The  musical  sounds  rose  and  fell 
on  the  atmosphere  with  a  sweet  cadence  never  heard  previ- 
ously in  that  neighborhood;  and  if  it  were  not  known  to 
a  certainty  that  Riddleton  was  the  operator,  the  men  who 
listened  would  have  imagined  the  music  had  emanated  from 
the  clear  sky  above  them  through  some  unaccountable 
agency.  As  for  Furflew's  private  opinions  in  the  case,  he 
regarded  this  act  of  his  chief  as  the  greatest  exhibition  of 
human  skill  in  an  emergency  ever  witnessed,  and,  more- 
over, that  it  was  far  ahead  of  ventriloquism.  The  effects  of 
it  on  the  horses  were  marvelous  and  instantaneous.  From 
the  time  the  first  notes  struck  their  ears,  the  nervous  attack 
which  afflicted  them  began  to  subside,  and  in  twenty 
seconds  afterwards,  at  an  encouraging  word  from  Rob, 
they  bounded  into  the  center  of  the  highway  and  galloped 
off. 

The  cheers  that  accompanied  this  wonderful  feat  had 
scarcely  died  away  when  those  of  the  pursuers  were  heard 
with  equal  force  and  enthusiasm.  It  was  seen  that  a  con- 
flict now  was  inevitable.  Rob  had  no  idea  he  could  escape 
by  means  of  the  ambulance  ;  he  merely  wanted  to  keep  his 
party  together,  as  much  under  cover  as  possible,  and  to  be 
in  motion  while  the  battle  raged.  He  knew  how  to  cal- 
culate chances  and  estimate  the  value  of  smallness  whether 


346  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

it  related  to  time,  space,  or  incident.  No  sooner  had  he 
gained  success  with  the  horses  than  he  began  to  prepare  for 
battle.  He  secured  the  reins  to  the  front  of  the  wagon, 
ordered  Furflew  to  lie  down  in  the  deepest  part  of  it,  and 
unloosed  his  pistols.  Furflew  pleaded  to  be  permitted  to 
assist  him ;  but  Rob  felt  he  would  perform  more  efficient 
work  single-handed,  and  replied  that  he  wished  to  have  his 
orders  obeyed.  A  glance  at  the  back  of  the  ambulance 
revealed  the  temporary  character  of  the  covering  —  some 
thick  glazed  canvas,  buttoned  to  the  sides  and  capable  of 
being  taken  off  in  an  instant.  He  undid  the  under  fasten- 
ings, placed  his  hand  upon  the  upper  ones,  and  was  in  the 
act  of  detaching  them  also  when  an  order  from  without 
commanded  him  to  halt.  With  a  quick  motion  of  his 
hand  he  swept  the  canvas  away  and  stood  an  instant  facing 
his  enemies.  Even  in  that  short  time  he  was  not  idle. 
His  hands  sought  his  trusty  weapons.  There  was  a  fierce 
fire  blazing  in  his  eyes,  and  his  brow  became  dark  like  an 
angry  sky  at  the  coming  of  a  storm.  Danderton,  who 
was  in  front  of  his  party,  attempted  to  draw  his  pistol ; 
but  like  a  flash  two  bullets  whizzed  through  the  air  from 
Riddleton,  one  of  which  passed  through  Danderton's 
body  and  the  other  through  one  of  his  men.  Both  fell 
like  saplings  in  the  forest  before  the  ax  of  the  woodsman. 
The  two  men  left  of  Danderton's  party  bravely  returned 
the  fire  and  seemed  intent  on  continuing  the  pursuit. 

"  Go  home  !  "  shouted  Rob,  discharging  his  pistols  a 
second  time  with  that  unerring  certainty  for  which  he  was 
remarkable ;  and  the  men  in  question  slid  from  their  horses 
into  the  highway  dead  or  wounded. 

"Furflew,"  said  Rob,  while  he  rearranged  his  weapons, 
"we  shall  have  cold  chicken  and  a  bottle  of  claret  at  the 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  347 

next  station.  Get  up,  old  man ;  what  are  you  lingering 
there  for?  One  would  imagine  you  wanted  to  go  to 
sleep. ' ' 

"I  could  worship  you,"  said  Furflew  as  he  scrambled 
from  his  retreat  and  resumed  his  seat  on  the  box. 

Strange  as  it  may  appear,  the  balky  horses  traveled  in 
admirable  style  during  the  remaining  part  of  that  day, 
carrying  the  party  in  the  ambulance  to  the  end  of  the 
journey  contemplated. 

The  report  sent  to  the  Southern  authorities  of  this  little 
affair  gave  the  loss  at  two  killed  and  two  wounded,  Dan- 
derton  being  among  the  killed.  Riddleton  was  not  hurt. 
The  property  abandoned  by  him  was  taken  charge  of  by 
the  hotel  keeper  and  accounted  for.  On  arriving  at  head- 
quarters, the  men  were  highly  commended  for  their  con- 
duct and  given  a  complimentary  dinner,  at  which  Rob 
made  a  speech  and  Furflew  exhibited  his  powers  of  ventril- 
oquism. 

In  regard  to  future  service,  Furflew  considered  he  had 
performed  enough  for  one  man.  Besides,  the  department 
was  engaging  a  large  number  of  new  men,  and  the  first 
year's  campaign  was  practically  at  an  end.  He  therefore 
informed  Rob  Riddleton  he  wished  to  retire  from  active 
duty  so  as  to  recuperate  and  enjoy  the  ease  and  security  of 
civil  life.  Rob  considered  the  proposition  favorably,  and, 
when  he  sent  in  his  official  report,  recommended  Furflew 
to  be  accorded  the  privilege  requested  and  a  bounty  for 
his  valuable  services.  These  were  accordingly  given  him, 
and  thus  Furflew  became  possessor  of  a  handsome  sum  of 
money,  which,  when  added  to  the  savings  from  his  pay, 
would  enable  him  to  engage  in  commercial  pursuits  or 
purchase  a  small  country  home. 


348  IN  THE  DEPTHS  CF 

As  Riddleton  was  on  his  part  going  to  take  a  month's 
vacation,  and  the  time  had  come  to  part  company  with  his 
trusty  follower,  he  asked  Furflew  what  he  was  going  to  do 
as  a  civilian. 

"  Now  that  you  remind  me  of  it,  Chief,"  said  the  man, 
placing  the  right-hand  forefinger  against  the  side  of  his 
head  as  if  the  touch  implied  the  calling  forth  of  great  wis- 
dom, "  I'm  going  into  the  circus  business.  I  can  go 
through  half  the  performance  myself,  and  I  only  need  a  few 
more  hands  to  fill  the  bill.  Money?  Why,  there's  barrels 
of  money  in  it ;—  and  let  me  tell  you,  Chief,  I'll  get  Sar- 
acen Gay  and  Flappins  to  join  hands  with  me.  We'll 
have  the  best  show  you  ever  saw.  Saracen  Gay  is  rich. 
He  could  be  master  of  the  horse  —  ringmaster  —  while 
Flappins  was  acting  the  bareback  rider.  They'll  tumble  to 
it,  you  bet,  when  I  meet  'em.  Why,  sir,  I  love  a  circus. 
I'd  have  had  one  long  ago  if  I'd  had  half  a  chance;  but 
now  I'll  catch  on  for  all  that's  out." 

Riddleton  smiled  at  Furflew1  s  idea  of  happiness  in  civil 
life ;  and  with  pleasant  thoughts  on  both  sides  the  friends 
parted. 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 

SHOWING   THE    DARK    HAND. 

WHIFTON'S  return  to  Council  Bluffs  was  hailed  with 
delight  by  the  inhabitants.  Short  as  had  been 
the  time  since  his  departure,  a  large  number  of  people  were 
added  to  the  population  and  several  substantial  improve- 
ments made.  Railroad  men  and  speculators  were  giving 
brisk  prices  for  land.  The  town  was  remapped ;  and  with- 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  349 

out  intentional  irreverence  it  may  be  said  also  that  it  was 
mobbed.  Those  who  did  not  know  Whifton  personally 
heard  glowing  accounts  of  his  patriotism  and  knowledge. 
When  encountered  on  the  main  street  he  was  called  "  Colo- 
nel," and  it  was  understood  he  had  been  wounded  so 
severely  at  Bull  Run  as  to  be  incapacitated  for  further 
service,  although,  to  all  appearances,  he  was  stronger  and 
healthier  than  before. 

From  past  experience  in  Western  towns  Whifton  had 
learned  much  of  speculation,  and  he  was  satisfied  the  best 
way  of  saving  money  was  to  invest  it  in  city  property.  As 
the  amount  to  his  credit  was  considerable,  he  took  a  hand 
in  the  purchase  of  real  estate,  and  thus  became  at  once 
identified  with  the  progress  and  prosperity  of  Council  Bluffs. 
This  settlement  of  his  financial  affairs,  however,  was  only 
the  beginning  of  his  good  fortune.  The  citizens  recognized 
in  him  a  representative  man,  one  worthy  of  any  position  in 
their  gift,  and  at  the  first  opportunity  elected  him  justice  of 
the  peace,  which  carried  with  it  the  title  of  "judge." 
What  he  had  dreamed  of  in  early  days  reached  him  in 
reality,  and  with  it  honor  and  fame  and  wealth. 

It  was  seen  by  those  who  knew  Whifton  best,  that,  not- 
withstanding his  easy  circumstances,  he  was  beset  by  some 
mental  trouble,  either  a  burden  on  his  conscience  or  a  secret 
that  could  not  be  told.  His  abstraction  was  very  marked. 
He  meditated  deeply,  hummed  love  songs  occasionally, 
and  was  heard  to  sigh  like  one  in  actual  distress ;  but,  as  he 
never  mentioned  the  causes  of  these  peculiarities,  it  became 
the  general  belief  that  his  troubles  were  due  to  his  "wound," 
if  not  to  the  depth  of  his  learning.  To  himself  there  was 
no  mystery  in  these  strange  visitations.  His  burden  was 
twofold  —  the  sustenance  of  his  ideal  love  and  the  prose- 


350  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

cution  of  the  commission  given  him  by  Hamilton  Hitch. 
There  was  no  doubt  his  magnanimous  conduct  displayed  in 
the  interests  of  Herondine  brought  him  immense  satisfac- 
tion and  chastened  his  spirit  to  such  extent  that  he  could 
feel  the  presence  of  some  divine  principle  moisten  his  eye- 
lids before  he  slept  at  night ;  but  behold  !  his  feelings  of 
love  increased  until  they  became  almost  insupportable. 
When  he  told  Furflew  that  he  had  found  love  "salubrious," 
he  accounted  only  for  the  condition  of  his  mind  at  that 
time.  Of  the  future  he  knew  nothing,  nor  of  the  charac- 
ter of  love  that  is  fostered  and  fed  for  years  beyond  the 
period  prescribed  by  nature  in  which  its  functions  are  legit- 
imate and  necessary.  He  did  not  calculate  on  the  love 
that  consumes  body  and  soul  as  if  encompassed  by  mysteri- 
ous fires,  that  strikes  the  heart  with  as  sure  an  aim  as  if 
directed  by  fate,  and  gradually  lessens  the  vital  forces  of 
the  victim  until  relieved  by  insanity  and  death  ;  yet  some- 
thing akin  to  this  fearful  visitant  seemed  to  confront  him. 
When  he  first  began  to  study  its  true  intent  he  was  a  pros- 
perous citizen,  but  it  made  him  tremble  as  if  the  shadow 
of  death  had  come  to  him  knowingly.  He  made  no 
attempt  to  escape  from  it,  but,  like  a  true  votary,  clung 
with  reverence  and  adoration  to  its  peculiar  sensations, 
whose  intensity  was  certain  to  bring  his  life  to  a  premature 
close. 

If  the  good,  the  grand,  and  the  beautiful  created  such  a 
menace  to  the  life  of  Whifton  on  the  one  hand,  oh,  what 
must  have  been  the  threatening  aspect  of  the  conditions 
imposed  by  Hamilton  Hitch  on  the  other,  which  would 
bring  all  that  was  virtuous  in  him  to  degradation  and  make 
him  hate  the  hour  he  was  born !  Again  he  accused  himself 
of  lack  of  wisdom,  adding  these  words:  "If  we  misuse 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  351 

goodness,  it  is  as  bad  as  anything  else.  It  is  really  so.  The 
powers  that  surround  love  keep  guard  over  it,  and  will 
strike  if  you  come  too  close.  That's  what's  the  matter 
with  me."  He  stood  between  two  colossal  difficulties,  like 
one  in  a  dark  canyon  with  little  to  aid  his  escape  and  fully 
conscious  of  his  predicament.  It  might  be  thought  possi- 
ble to  evade  compliance  with  the  terms  of  the  contract 
with  Hamilton  Hitch  now  that  Whifton  was  among  friends ; 
but  he  knew  that  to  trifle  with  the  secret  conclave  of  the 
masked  lodge  was  to  trifle  with  his  own  life :  besides,  the 
Confederacy  was  growing  in  strength  and  power,  and  who 
could  tell  what  the  end  would  be?  Whifton  was  full  of 
resources,  for,  as  is  well  known,  he  possessed  a  far-reaching 
imagination.  He  began  work  on  the  contract  problem. 
He  would,  he  thought,  perform  something,  however  unsat- 
isfactory it  might  prove  to  be,  and  take  risks  on  the  balance. 
As  it  was  with  his  love,  so  would  it  be  with  his  lodge.  He 
would  look  upon  it  in  a  mental  panorama  and  decorate 
its  several  departments  with  a  full  measure  of  the  ideal.  In 
other  words,  he  would  institute  a  mock  lodge  and  call  it  a 
real  one.  With  this  end  in  view  he  arranged  one  of  his 
rooms  to  represent  a  hall,  placed  books  upon  the  seats  as 
officers,  and  went  through  all  the  forms  prescribed  in  the 
by-laws  for  a  genuine  meeting.  In  the  inner  chamber  he 
presided  personally  over  the  destinies  of  the  novitiate, 
heard  imaginary  requests,  and  bestowed  the  customary 
favors.  After  every  detail  had  been  attended  to,  he  made 
his  report  to  the  chief  at  Richmond.  His  statement  was 
explicit,  yet  so  guarded  in  the  phraseology  as  to  be  under- 
stood only  by  the  party  for  whom  it  was  intended.  This 
account  of  Whifton's  proved  satisfactory  to  Hamilton 
Hitch,  and,  it  may  be  added,  to  Whifton  himself.  It  was 


352  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

as  real  as  the  burial  of  Herondine,  having  everything  in  it 
with  the  exception  of  the  most  essential  factor.  Indeed  it 
may  be  remarked  in  passing  that  such  is  the  character  of 
many  an  enterprise  whose  projectors  never,  perhaps,  fully 
understand  the  causes  of  failure. 

With  the  return  mail  came  newspapers  from  Richmond 
announcing  the  commission  of  a  great  robbery.  Whifton 
trembled  on  seeing  the  heading,  for  he  concluded  the 
masked  lodge  was  beginning  to  exhibit  the  "  dark  hand," 
as  the  nefarious  practice  of  thieving  might  appropriately  be 
called. 

The  robbery  mentioned  was  a  most  daring  one,  executed 
in  broad  daylight,  having  scores  of  people  as  witnesses; 
yet  not  only  did  the  robbers  escape,  but  no  trace  whatever 
could  be  found  of  their  place  of  concealment.  The  gen- 
eral public  where  the  criminal  act  had  taken  place  were 
astounded  at  the  boldness  of  its  character.  Nothing  like 
it  was  ever  known  to  occur  in  that  neighborhood  at  any 
previous  time,  and  some  conjectured  that  it  must  have  been 
executed  by  the  enemy.  The  detectives  engaged  on  the 
case  followed  up  two  or  three  clews  without  success  ;  and 
after  the  expenditure  of  a  great  amount  of  conjecture,  fuss, 
and  movement,  the  daring  deed  had  to  be  reckoned  among 
the  crimes  of  the  unknown.  Whifton  received  an  account 
of  the  principal  incidents  in  cipher  from  Hamilton  Hitch, 
but,  of  course,  was  obliged  to  keep  it  secret  as  he  valued 
his  life,  and  long  afterwards  learned  its  entire  history. 

Sternbeard,  captain  of  the  outside  guard,  drew  up  the 
plan,  and  Greenlaugh  selected  two  men  to  execute  it, 
besides  giving  substantial  aid  on  his  own  part.  The  person 
from  whom  the  money  was  stolen  was  a  contractor  who 
had  been  engaged  to  furnish  a  portion  of  the  army  with 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  353 

supplies,  the  amount  involved  being  thirty  thousand  dol- 
lars. Greenlaugh  had  ascertained  the  time  when  payment 
would  be  made,  and  was  actually  present  when  the  robbers 
got  off  with  the  booty.  The  contractor  was  his  "  friend," 
a  member  of  the  social  set  into  which  Greenlaugh  had 
insinuated  himself  at  an  early  date  on  the  representation 
that  his  Northern  relatives  were  rich  and  in  sympathy  with 
the  Confederacy.  Some  of  the  other  arrangements  of  the 
deeply  laid  plot  were  as  follows.  The  wife  of  one  of  the 
gang  was  sent  into  the  city  to  rent  a  house.  She  was  to 
pay  in  advance  a  month's  rent,  get  in  a  few  articles  of 
furniture,  and  begin  housekeeping  after  the  manner  of 
other  wives.  The  first  week's  washing  to  be  hung  out  was 
to  consist  of  two  towels,  a  dishcloth,  a  nightcap,  a  check 
apron,  and  a  pocket  handkerchief,  not  to  speak  of  larger 
and  more  pretentious  articles.  She  was  to  inform  the 
inquisitive  neighbors  that  her  husband  and  her  brother 
were  blacksmiths  by  trade  soon  to  arrive  in  the  city,  and 
expected  government  work.  Care  should  be  observed  that 
the  house  be  situated  in  a  locality  inhabited  by  business 
men,  for,  as  is  well  known,  such  places  are  generally 
deserted  the  most  part  of  each  working  day,  the  men  being 
engaged  at  their  business  houses,  while  their  wives  are 
visiting  or  shopping.  After  this  part  had  been  carefully 
attended  to,  a  couple  of  men  were  detailed  for  the  princi- 
pal work.  They  were,  of  course,  properly  disguised,  hav- 
ing been  dressed  in  workingmen's  clothing.  Some  arti- 
ficial abrasions  were  placed  on  their  faces  and  they  carried 
masks  to  be  used  at  the  last  moment.  One  of  these  men 
hired  a  horse  and  an  express  wagon  at  a  livery  stable,  the 
nearest  that  could  be  found  to  the  rented  house ;  and 
started  for  the  scene  of  action  at  the  appointed  time. 


354  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

After  receiving  the  money,  which  was  in  Confederate 
notes,  the  contractor  and  his  friend  Greenlaugh  stepped 
into  a  street  car  for  the  purpose  of  depositing  the  treasure 
in  bank.  The  highwaymen  were  prompt  in  following. 
The  masks  were  on.  The  men  drew  their  pistols  and 
demanded  the  money.  The  contractor,  who  loved  his  life 
much  better  than  war,  became  stupefied  at  the  presentation, 
but  Greenlaugh  protested  loudly  against  the  action  of  the 
robbers.  For  this  interference  he  was  felled  to  the  floor 
of  the  car  by  a  blow ;  but,  of  course,  the  scene  had  been 
prearranged  for  effect,  and  he  was  not  hurt.  When  he 
scrambled  to  his  feet  the  road  agents  had  decamped  with 
the  money.  Still  Greenlaugh  acted  with  consummate 
pretension  to  rectitude.  Standing  an  instant  at  the  door, 
he  cried  out,  "Stop  them!  stop  them!"  and  fired  two 
shots  from  his  revolver.  At  this  juncture  a  great  crowd 
surrounded  the  car.  Policemen  and  newspaper  reporters 
came  up  in  dozens  and  got  the  facts  from  the  parties  con- 
cerned. The  passengers  were  so  much  frightened  that  they 
slunk  away  through  the  crowd  sooner  than  relate  what  they 
had  witnessed. 

In  the  meantime  no  one  followed  the  robbers.  They 
drove  off  in  the  express  wagon  as  if  they  had  come  out  on  a 
picnic.  They  were  actually  out  of  sight,  having  doubled  a 
corner,  when  Greenlaugh  fired.  In  any  case  they  would 
not  have  been  hit,  because  there  was  nothing  in  the  pistol 
at  the  time  of  discharge  but  blank  cartridges.  After  half  a 
dozen  windings  through  the  streets  the  robbers  were  safe. 
During  the  following  ten  minutes  they  left  the  wagon  in 
front  of  the  livery  stable,  having  previously  paid  for  it, 
and  dropped  quietly  into  the  house  where  the  woman  had 
the  first  week's  washing  on  the  clotheslines  and  was  ex- 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  355 

peeling  the  arrival  of  her  husband  and  her  brother,  the 
blacksmiths.  As  a  matter  of  fact,  no  one  saw  them  enter 
the  house,  and  they  were  therefore  as  safe  from  arrest  as  if 
buried  under  a  mountain.  They  left  no  trace,  suspicion, 
or  clew  by  which  the  officers  of  the  law  could  reach  them 
in  their  hiding  place.  Besides,  they  were  domiciled  in  a 
"high-toned  "  neighborhood.  A  policeman  searching  for 
criminals  there,  instead  of  finding  anything  of  the  kind 
would  probably  lose  his  star  for  his  pains.  Where  the 
robbers  were  not,  however,  there  was  great  activity  in 
searching  for  them.  For  miles  beyond  the  city  limits  the 
country  was  "scoured,"  and  several  arrests  were  made. 
Tramps  found  loitering  around  saloons  in  the  city  were 
critically  scrutinized,  and  if  the  least  doubt  existed  in  the 
mind  of  the  guardian  of  the  law  regarding  their  honesty 
they  were  "  run  "  into  headquarters  in  order  to  show  the 
efficiency  of  the  work  then  in  progress.  Nothing  was  left 
undone  to  capture  the  robbers  excepting  their  actual  cap- 
ture, which  to  some  of  those  engaged  in  the  pursuit  would 
be  the  most  deplorable  thing  of  all. 

One  noticeable  feature  of  the  case  was  the  eulogy  printed 
in  the  newspapers  on  the  conduct  of  Greenlaugh.  He  was 
described  as  "  fighting  the  highwaymen  single-handed  for 
fully  twenty  minutes,  lodging  three  bullets  in  one  of  them 
and  two  in  the  other,  and  would  have  brought  them  both 
down  if  it  had  not  been  for  the  crowd."  All  the  journal- 
istic notices  of  the  robbery  agreed  in  asserting  that  if  the 
destinies  of  the  South  were  in  the  hands  of  such  able  men 
as  Captain  Greenlaugh  success  would  unquestionably  fol- 
low. Such  is  the  judgment  of  the  world. 

The  robbers  remained  for  three  days  in  the  house  secured 
for  them,  feasting  on  the  best  the  markets  afforded,  reading 


356  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

thrilling  accounts  of  the  robbery  in  the  daily  press,  and 
playing  cards  in  the  intervals.  The  supplies  necessary  for 
the  occasion  were  ordered  by  the  woman  and  delivered  at 
the  door  in  the  usual  manner.  She  was  a  cash  customer, 
with  a  smile  of  happy  innocence  on  her  face,  and  therefore 
could  command  all  the  services  available  in  the  make-up 
of  six  delivery  wagons,  including  horses,  drivers,  and 
assistants.  Nothing  in  the  appearance  of  the  house  indi- 
cated disturbance  or  criminality.  The  blinds  were  up  ; 
the  glass  of  the  windows  clean  ;  the  woman  appeared  fre- 
quently on  the  front  porch,  ostensibly  to  sweep  the  dust 
off  its  surface,  but  in  reality  to  establish  the  idea  in  the 
public  mind  that  everything  under  her  jurisdiction  was 
legal  or  businesslike ;  the  smoke  from  the  chimney  curled 
upward  in  as  graceful-looking  wreaths  as  if  they  emanated 
from  the  most  aristocratic  smokestack  in  the  neighborhood; 
and  the  odor  of  beefsteak  frying  through  a  heavy  margin 
of  chopped  onions  often  made  the  passer-by  turn  with 
delight  towards  the  place  and  linger  longingly  a  fen- 
moments  in  its  shade.  When  public  excitement  began  to 
subside,  the  transfer  of  the  two  men  from  the  hiding  place 
to  their  quarters  was  safely  made.  When  it  was  dark  the 
woman  ran  them  over  in  a  dogcart.  Next  morning  she 
summoned  a  secondhand  furniture  dealer  to  apprize  and 
carry  off  the  household  goods,  and  delivered  the  key  to  the 
owner  of  the  house  with  the  information  that  her  calcula- 
tions had  miscarried  and  she  was  obliged  to  move.  The 
landlord  did  not  seem  the  least  disturbed  by  such  a  trifle, 
it  had  occurred  so  often  before ;  and  as  he  had  pocketed 
one  month's  rent  in  advance,  therefore  she  was  free  to 
return  to  her  original  home  without  further  tax  or  question 
of  any  kind. 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  357 

When  the  members  of  the  outside  and  inside  guard 
assembled  thereafter  in  secret  session  under  the  observant 
eye  of  Hamilton  Hitch,  great  indeed  was  the  rejoicing. 
There  was  a  jollification  such  as  is  rarely  enjoyed  either 
by  civilians  or  soldiers.  In  the  technical  phraseology  of 
epicures  there  was  a  "  spread  " — a  supper  consisting  of  the 
choicest  viands  procurable  and  old  wines  whose  flavor 
seemed  to  indicate  that  they  had  been  fortified  in  some 
lone  paradise  near  the  setting  sun  amid  rose-tinted  light, 
perfume,  and  flowers.  Excitement  ran  high.  It  could  be 
seen  that  the  glare  in  the  men's  eyes  resembled  that  of 
savages,  modified,  however,  by  the  presentation  of  good 
cheer  and  the  further  prospect  of  sharing  a  division  of  the 
spoils.  Some  of  them  ground  their  teeth  from  excess  of 
pleasure. 

The  spirit  of  the  occasion,  however,  was  exhibited  in 
Hamilton  Hitch.  He  resembled  a  god,  and  with  the 
addition  of  a  few  extra  touches  could  easily  represent  the 
archfiend.  He  wore  over  his  shoulders  a  cape  of  black 
cloth  trimmed  with  fur  and  secured  at  the  neck  by  a 
golden  clasp.  A  star  on  each  breast  made  of  polished 
gold  glittered  at  every  movement  and  commanded  attention 
through  the  fascination  of  a  deep,  rich  glow  which  touched 
the  heart  of  the  beholder.  Every  look  of  the  man,  his 
movements,  manner,  and  language,  spoke  eloquently  of 
his  triumph  over  good  society,  and  pointed  towards  his 
individual  cleverness.  He  fairly  reveled  in  fame.  Nothing 
transpired  throughout  the  whole  proceedings  of  the  rob- 
bery to  interfere  in  the  least  degree  with  its  success  —  a 
circumstance  heretofore  unknown  in  connection  with  such 
cases  —  and,  as  a  matter  of  course,  the  credit  of  it  was  due 
to  him  first  and  to  Sternbeard  next  for  attending  to  the 


358  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

correct  mapping  of  the  details.  Nor  was  Greenlaugh  left 
unnoticed.  Hamilton  Hitch  took  occasion  to  speak  of 
him  in  glowing  terms,  pointing  out  specially  the  cleverness 
displayed  by  him  throughout  the  very  difficult  part  he  had 
to  perform,  and  every  man  present  cheered  lustily  to  show 
his  appreciation  of  his  merits. 

Sternbeard  and  Greenlaugh  sat  side  by  side  at  the  supper 
table.  While  they  appeared  interested  occasionally  in  the 
remarks  of  others,  the  drift  of  their  own  conversation  lay 
between  themselves.  Greenlaugh  was  a  great  talker,  while, 
on  the  other  hand,  Sternbeard  excelled  in  listening. 
Greenlaugh  magnified  small  things,  showing  the  light 
character  of  his  intelligence,  and  hence  he  clattered  for 
hours  on  a  subject  that  an  ordinary  conversationalist  could 
sum  up  in  ten  minutes.  He  appeared  to  possess  the  rare 
gift  also  of  conducting  two  processes  of  the  mind  at  the 
same  time — listening  to  the  conversation  of  another  and 
speaking  on  his  own  account,  although  it  might  be  doubted 
if  the  first  of  these  was  really  anything  but  pretense.  He 
possessed  a  restless  soul,  like  one  stung  into  activity  by 
hereditary  meanness  or  acquired  evil  whose  virulence  kept 
it  eternally  in  motion.  As  an  instance  of  this,  it  may  be 
pointed  out  that  while  all  his  companions  had  resigned 
themselves  to  the  pleasures  of  the  hour  Greenlaugh  was 
whispering  into  the  ear  of  Sternbeard  the  terms  of  a  new 
plot.  This  was  no  other  than  the  introduction  of  a  bunko 
game  among  the  men  so  as  to  win  their  money.  Stern- 
beard  listened  to  the  proposition  with  much  gravity,  as  if 
the  solution  of  an  intricate  problem  had  quenched  the  fire 
of  his  mirth,  but  his  cold  heart  nevertheless  quickened  its 
pulsations  on  reflecting  how  easily  and  without  offense  the 
treasure  could  be  secured  in  the  manner  described.  As  a 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  359 

further  inducement  favorable  to  the  scheme,  Greenlaugh 
represented  that  they  could  employ  two  of  the  men  to  con- 
duct the  game  at  a  fair  rate  of  compensation,  and  divide 
the  great  bulk  of  the  gains  among  themselves.  He  said 
there  were  a  couple  of  poker  players  in  his  guard  on  whom 
they  could  depend  for  secrecy  and  to  whom  he  had  already 
spoken  on  the  subject.  These  men  had  been  notorious 
sharps  in  civil  life,  as  well  as  being  pals;  and  if  there  was 
anything  more  than  another  for  which  they  were  distin- 
guished, it  was  that  they  sold  out,  deceived,  and  robbed 
their  associates  whenever  a  favorable  opportunity  presented 
itself —  a  trait  of  character  seldom  found  even  among 
thieves.  On  this  account  they  were  reckoned  the  most 
dangerous  men  in  the  whole  crowd.  Furthermore  they 
acted  as  spies  on  the  conduct  of  their  companions,  often 
giving  secret  information  to  the  captains  concerning  some 
of  the  men  that  was  actually  false,  so  as  to  promote 
prejudice  and  enmity  that  might  possibly  be  turned  to 
future  use  against  them.  Of  these  two  underlings  the 
man  named  Lorraf  was  Greenlaugh's  favorite.  He  was 
diminutive  in  size,  but  offset  this  deficiency  by  being 
a  most  despicable  criminal.  The  last  act  he  performed 
before  quitting  home  was  to  rob  his  mother  —  an  inci- 
dent so  heartless  that  ordinary  mortals  who  read  of  it 
wondered  why  he  was  not  stricken  dead  by  lightning. 
Still  he  was  the  confidential  man  of  Greenlaugh,  and  the 
person  who  stood  first  in  his  esteem,  if  the  estimate  of  the 
fellow  could  be  called  such.  Rinz,  the  other  man,  was 
tamer  in  his  iniquity.  In  conversing  with  people,  he  made 
an  attempt  to  reason,  and  ordinarily  he  was  polite ;  but 
theft  in  any  shape  or  under  any  circumstances  was  con- 
genial to  him.  Both  men  were  gray ;  furthermore  they 


360  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

possessed  the  bulldog  characteristic  features  of  thugs,  and 
hated  with  all  the  strength  in  their  possession  the  appear- 
ance or  presence  of  a  good  man.  Sternbeard  having 
favored  the  scheme  sketched  by  Greenlaugh,  it  was  further 
agreed  to  obtain  the  permission  of  the  chief,  so  as  to  legal- 
ize the  transaction.  In  making  the  formal  application, 
Greenlaugh  represented  that  the  men  desired  the  privilege 
of  playing  their  favorite  games,  to  which  Hamilton  Hitch 
made  no  objection,  as  he  saw  there  would  be  no  infringe- 
ment on  any  of  his  rules ;  besides,  gambling  bore  so  close 
a  relationship  to  theft  that  he  was  rather  inclined  to  en- 
courage its  practice. 

When  the  sumptuous  repast  ended  there  was  a  division 
made  of  the  money.  Three  of  the  men  with  musical  instru- 
ments played  favorite  airs  during  the  distribution,  making 
the  occasion  one  to  be  long  remembered.  Hamilton  Hitch 
retired  early.  His  share  of  the  booty  amounted  to  one 
fifth  of  the  whole,  and  it  was  his  wish  to  gloat  over  this 
new  acquisition  alone,  where  he  might  chuckle  or  laugh  to 
his  heart's  content.  The  captains  withdrew  to  the  sitting 
room  of  Greenlaugh  after  giving  all  the  necessary  instruc- 
tions, and  the  men  engaged  in  play. 

At  midnight  Greenlaugh  looked  into  the  common  hall 
where  the  men  were  congregated,  and  found  that  the  poker 
players  had  piles  of  the  bills  in  their  possession.  Stealing 
back  to  his  apartment,  for  he  feared  to  tread  heavily  on 
the  floor  lest  the  noise  should  disturb  the  conditions  of 
success  then  fully  apparent,  he  stated  the  facts  to  Sternbeard, 
when  both  retired  to  rest. 

The  men  played  until  the  gray  light  of  morning  began 
to  appear  at  the  windows,  then  whatever  remained  unfin- 
ished was  postponed  until  the  next  evening.  Lorraf  arose 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  361 

from  one  table  and  Rinz  from  another,  winners  of  all  the 
money  gambled  during  the  night,  amounting  in  the  aggre- 
gate to  about  ten  thousand  dollars.  The  losers  dropped 
off  one  by  one  and  went  to  sleep  without  a  murmur. 
Some  would  have  been  content  with  the  supper  without 
money,  while  a  few  suspected  that  one  or  more  of  the  men 
in  authority  was  at  the  bottom  of  the  game  as  an  instigator. 
These  soreheaded  fellows  determined  to  keep  close  watch. 
If  there  was  to  be  any  crookedness,  they  too  would  take 
a  hand,  and  woe  betide  their  opponents  when  they  came 
to  play  the  new  game. 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 

A   STRANGE   COMPROMISE. 

THERE  is  a  striking  similarity  between  a  great  military 
campaign  and  mankind  in  general :  at  every  rounded 
period  or  skirmish  some  one  drops  out  for  aye.  Besides 
Whifton  and  Furflew,  whose  retirement  to  civil  life  has 
been  already  noted,  Herondine  found  it  necessary  to  sever 
connection  with  the  secret  service  and  return  home.  The 
strain  upon  his  nervous  system  during  his  incarceration  in 
prison  and  subsequent  trial,  where  even  the  semblance  of 
justice  did  not  appear,  went  far  towards  paralyzing  his 
energies,  and  demanded  a  long  period  of  rest.  His  wife, 
the  beautiful  Grace  Herondine,  had  also  suffered  severely. 
It  was  evident  if  anxiety  for  her  husband's  welfare  contin- 
ued she  would  probably  contract  some  nervous  disease,  and 
therefore  another  reason  presented  itself  urging  Herondine 
to  accompany  her  into  the  seclusion  of  private  life.  The 
authorities  in  Washington,  fully  alive  to  the  importance  of 


362  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

the  services  rendered  by  Herondine,  readily  agreed  to  his 
wishes,  and  furthermore  conferred  on  him  the  title  of  brevet 
brigadier  general. 

This  settlement  of  the  career  of  a  great  character  enables 
us  to  invite  the  attention  of  the  reader  10  the  continuation 
of  the  history  of  Whifton.  Notwithstanding  his  physical 
disability,  he  studied  law  while  a  justice  of  the  peace  and 
was  admitted  to  the  bar.  Still  the  two  great  troubles  of 
his  life  weighed  mercilessly  upon  him,  threatening  total 
extinction.  The  physicians  consulted  in  the  case  were  in 
a  quandary  regarding  his  ailment,  for  they  did  not  agree 
with  the  opinion  of  his  friends  that  it  was  due  to  the  effects 
of  his  former  wounds.  In  obscure  cases  of  this  kind  it  is 
safe  to  prescribe  change  of  air;  so  Whifton  was  recom- 
mended to  go  east.  This  advice  was  agreeable  to  him,  for 
he  imagined,  after  considerable  reflection,  he  could  do  a  great 
deal  on  his  own  account  to  settle  the  difficulty.  His  plan 
was  to  consult  Furflew.  If  learned  men  like  the  doctors, 
he  thought,  did  not  know  how  to  stop  his  "  decline,"  as  he 
termed  his  illness,  perhaps  nonprofessionals  would  have 
better  success.  Who  knew  so  much  of  the  world,  for 
instance,  as  Furflew  ?  None  that  he  was  acquainted  with. 
He  had  heard  Saracen  Gay  call  him  "Professor."  Did 
not  that  indicate  that  he  knew  almost  everything.  Furflew 
also  was  the  only  person  to  whom  was  communicated  the 
facts  regarding  his,  Whifton's,  ideal  love,  and  on  such 
premises,  no  doubt,  the  man  might  possibly  be  able  to 
prescribe  a  remedy.  Besides,  Furflew  had  been  the  com- 
panion of  Herondine,  the  man  of  all  others  who  had  won 
the  heart  of  Grace  Finnestare  by  nothing  short  of  the 
supremacy  of  knowledge.  Therefore  he  had  laid  down  the 
lines  on  which  he  would  travel  in  quest  of  relief. 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  363 

Traveling  to  Washington  leisurely,  he  found  on  his 
arrival  the  city  filled  with  strangers,  and  vast  preparations 
in  progress  for  continuing  the  war.  The  most  astonishing 
circumstance,  however,  that  occurred  during  his  first  per- 
ambulation through  the  national  capitol  was  the  ease  with 
which  he  discovered  the  man  he  sought.  On  every  avail- 
able space  designed  for  the  display  of  placards  could  be 
seen  the  important  announcement,  "Bannister  Furflew's 
Great  Circus  Is  Here."  "Great  circus!"  reiterated 
Whifton  in  surprise.  "  What  wonderful  luck  that  man  was 
born  to  !  It  is  really  so.  I  suppose  he  has  a  heart  as  light 
as  a  bird."  While  in  this  mood  Whifton  soon  found 
where  the  circus  was  located,  and  there,  near  the  front 
entrance,  he  met  his  friend. 

Furflew  was  dressed  in  flashy  clothes.  He  exhibited  also 
a  golden  chain  and  locket,  several  rings  on  his  fingers,  and 
a  diamond  stud  in  the  breast  of  his  shirt.  At  a  distance 
he  appeared  superb,  especially  in  view  of  his  assumed  air 
of  superiority;  but  on  a  closer  inspection  his  swarthy  coun- 
tenance brought  him  down  to  the  original  level.  Besides 
this,  the  deep  lines  on  his  neck,  the  lusterless  gleam  of  the 
eye,  the  lank  gray  hair  and  the  partly  shrunken  frame 
gave  evidence  that  other  battles  besides  those  of  war  had 
come  to  him  and  left  him  a  loser. 

Knowing  there  were  several  hours  available  before  the 
commencement  of  the  afternoon  performance  at  the  circus, 
the  friends  adjourned  to  Furflew's  box  office,  which  stood 
at  the  right  of  the  main  entrance,  so  as  to  compare  notes 
on  their  respective  situations.  In  reply  to  an  inquiry  as  to 
how  he  liked  the  circus  business,  Furflew  replied : 

"There's  money  in  it.  As  for  liking,  I'm  never  tired 
in  the  circus  ring.  I  do  the  juggling  and  the  best  part  of 


364  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

the  farce  where  ventriloquism  is  shown  off.  The  people 
laugh  a  great  deal,  and  I  enjoy  it.  I  have  your  friend  Sar- 
acen Gay,  and  Flappins  also.  Gay  appears  in  the  farce  in 
a  fantastic  dress,  that  pleases  him,  and  his  man  is  my  bare- 
back rider.  In  a  year  I  calculate  on  stowing  away  about 
fifty  thousand  dollars  as  my  share.  You  see  how  it  is  : 
people  are  coming  in  here  every  day,  either  as  volunteers 
for  the  army  or  on  one  pretext  or  another,  and  they  all 
want  a  little  amusement.  I  saw  the  chance  and  took  it. 
That's  all  there's  to  it." 

Whifton  referring  to  the  character  of  his  patrons,  Fur- 
flew  answered  : 

"All  kinds  come ;  and,  by  the  bye,  I  had  a  lady  here 
a  short  time  ago  who  was  well  known  to  our  friend  Heron- 
dine.  In  fact,  it  was  at  her  house  he  roomed  when  in 
Charleston.  She  was  a  widow  known  then  as  Mrs.  Whirl- 
ston,  but  is  just  married  a  second  time  and  on  her  wedding 
tour.  I  forgot  to  ask  the  name  of  her  husband.  Then  she 
told  me  about  her  daughter  Cynthia.  Instead  of  marrying 
Tuppins,  a  man  that  waited  on  her  for  years,  she  goes  to 
work  and  runs  off  with  a  painter  who  struck  the  town  only 
about  two  weeks  before.  They  got  married,  of  course ; — 
but  look  at  the  ingenuity  of  the  thing !  Tuppins  is  still 
working  with  a  farmer  as  if  nothing  had  happened  to 
bother  him." 

Suddenly  the  two  men  turned  to  the  subject  of  Heron- 
dine's  escape.  Furflew,  who  was  vain  enough  to  imagine 
he  knew  everything  pertaining  to  the  war  since  secession, 
pleaded  want  of  knowledge  in  the  present  case,  while 
Whifton,  rapidly  reviewing  the  incidents  in  his  mind,  felt 
he  must  keep  them  secret.  Hence  when  Furflew  said  of 
Herondine,  "  He  could  never  have  got  away  if  he  hadn't 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  365 

had  powerful  backing,"  Whifton  promptly  answered,  "It 
is  really  so." 

"And  now  about  yourself,"  continued  Furflew.  "You're 
looking  somewhat  under  the  weather,  old  man.  What  did 
you  run  against  ?  or  were  you  so  badly  hurt  that  you  can- 
not get  over  it?  " 

Whifton,  pausing  before  making  reply,  answered  : 

"  My  wound  dates  back  before  the  war.  Don't  you 
remember  what  I  told  you  about  the  ideal  and  the  tangible, 
the  lady  I  loved  in  secret  and  the  good  I  imagined  it 
brought  me?  " 

"Why,  yes,  I  often  tried  to  recall  the  word  that  you 
said  suited  me,  but  could  not  to  save  my  life.  How  did 
you  get  hit  ?  " 

"  The  feeling  increased  until  it  rests  like  a  great  weight 
on  my  heart." 

Furflew,  with  a  gleam  of  humor  in  his  eye,  remarked  : 

"  How  odd  that  the  two  of  us  should  come  out  about 
equal  —  you  struck  in  the  heart  and  I  in  the  ribs  and  on  the 
head!  The  ideal  brought  you  a  dead  weight  just  as  the 
what-you-may-call-'em  brought  it  to  me." 

"What  made  me  come  here,"  resumed  Whifton  seri- 
ously, "  was  actually  to  consult  you  in  the  case.  Your 
knowledge  of  the  world  is  so  wonderful,  I  thought  perhaps 
you  could  not  miss  knowing  what  would  relieve  me." 

Furflew  seemed  flattered  by  this  language.  He  coughed, 
while  looking  into  the  distance,  with  an  air  of  self-impor- 
tance, as  if  he  meditated  consulting  some  mysterious  oracle 
suspended  in  the  atmosphere  or  otherwise. 

"  What  did  the  doctors  do  for  you?  "  be  asked. 

"  The  first  told  me  quinine  was  necessary ;  the  second 
recommended  salts  for  fifteen  consecutive  mornings;  the 


366  IN  7 HE  DEPTHS  OF 

third,  blisters;  the  fourth,  that  I  should  go  to  the  springs; 
the  fifth,  to  stay  at  home ;  the  sixth,  powdered  pumpkin 
seed ;  and  so  on  until  I  came  to  the  last,  the  change-of-air 
man." 

"  Now  that  I  think  of  it,"  said  Furflew  wisely,  "you  can 
join  our  company  and  get  cured  right  away  by  having  a 
good  laugh  once  in  a  while.  We  can  make  a  place  for 
you  if  you  have  no  objection.  Start  in  to  lead  the  big 
elephant!  " 

"Why,"  responded  Whifton,  "I'm  a  lawyer,  and  you 
know  it  would  never  do  to  be  found  in  such  company." 

"Oh!"  resumed  Furflew  laughing,  "that  alters  the 
case ;  for  if  the  elephant  knew  of  it,  he'd  back  out  for  sure. ' ' 

However — to  come  down  to  the  bed  rock  of  the  thing  — 
if  I  can't  do  anything  for  you  myself,  I  know  who  can.  I 
always  found  him  handy  when  I  was  in  trouble ;  and  he'll 
be  the  same  to  you,  because  he  loves  to  do  good." 

"Ain't  he  a  doctor?  "  inquired  Whifton,  for  the  philan- 
thropic character  given  the  man  rather  confused  his  thoughts 
on  the  subject. 

"Naw,"  returned  Furflew  contemptuously,  "but  he 
ain't  the  worse  on  that  account.  He  read  above  'em,  all 
round  'em,  and  crosswise;  so  you  can  see  how  much  he 
knows." 

After  further  discourse  concerning  the  extraordinary 
ability  of  his  benefactor,  Furflew  gradually  approached  his 
identity. 

"First  and  last,  he  was  my  best  friend,"  he  resumed. 
"Twice  he  saved  my  life,  and  between  times  I  learned 
more  from  him  than  I  ever  could  from  a  dictionary  or  an 
almanac.  After  losing  Herondine  I  joined  him — but  you 
must  have  heard  before  of  Rob  Riddleton.  Now,  Whif, 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  367 

I  tell  you  the  best  thing  on  the  cards.  We'll  just  take  a 
run  up  to  him  and  settle  the  matter  in  half  an  hour. 
Fortune  favors  us ;  for  he  came  to  the  city  yesterday,  and 
I  know  exactly  where  to  find  him." 

Whifton  had  heard  of  the  celebrated  scout,  but  was  at  a 
loss  to  understand  why  this  fame  should  make  him  skilled 
in  the  diagnosis  of  obscure  complaints  and  the  application 
of  remedies  suited  to  their  requirements.  Noting  this 
apparent  inconsistency,  Furflew  replied  : 

"  He'll  tell  you  of  the  thing  on  common-sense  grounds. 
That's  all  we  want.  I  could  go  the  length  myself  and  hope 
to  make  a  purty  fair  job ;  but  you  must  be  sure  before 
making  any  change.  Riddleton  is  our  man." 

After  rendering  this  decision  with  as  much  emphasis  as 
if  he  were  addressing  the  big  elephant  in  the  circus  ring, 
Furflew  descended  the  steps  of  the  box  office  and  repaired 
to  his  dogcart  and  piebald  horse,  hitched  to  a  post  in  the 
vicinity  of  the  circus  for  his  convenience,  and  into  which 
he  invited  Whifton.  Driving  uptown,  Furflew  found  he 
had  risen  to  the  importance  of  a  celebrity ;  for  a  number 
of  small  boys  accompanied  by  dogs  followed  his  rig,  and 
some  of  the  urchins  speculated  quite  audibly  as  to  the 
position  likely  to  be  assigned  the  new  man, Whifton,  whose 
diminutive  form  had  not  been  previously  noticed  in  the 
circus  establishment. 

At  the  hotel  Furflew  had  little  difficulty  in  reaching  the 
presence  of  Riddleton.  The  noted  scout  received  his 
former  assistant  with  cordial  expressions  of  friendship,  and 
assured  him  he  was  ready  to  render  him  any  service  in  his 
power.  Without  making  any  reply  to  this  kind  invitation, 
Furflew  placed  before  his  former  chief  two  complimentary 
tickets  for  reserved  seats  in  the  circus,  and  "  hoped,"  as  he 


368  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

said,  "of  proving  in  front  of  him  the  value  of  jugglery 
and  ventriloquism,"  to  which  Rob  pleasantly  replied  that 
he  would  probably  look  into  his  crib,  the  circus,  before 
leaving  town.  Then  with  a  great  show  of  mystery  Furflew 
introduced  Whifton,  and  the  preliminary  statement  of  his 
peculiar  case.  Rob  was  amused,  as  well  as  flattered,  by 
Furflew's  great  faith  in  his  judgment,  and  listened  with 
grave  attention  to  the  details  so  as  to  get  at  the  essential 
points,  the  better  to  render  a  just  decision.  He  also  ques- 
tioned Whifton,  who  answered  promptly  and  without 
reservation  on  all  subjects  excepting  the  name  and  posi- 
tion of  the  lady  of  his  love.  These  he  would  ever  keep 
secret.  When  all  the  information  was  in,  Rob  spoke  as 
one  who  had  been  inspired  with  a  full  knowledge  of  the 
truth.  He  began  by  saying  : 

"You  must  compromise." 

Furflew,  who  was  seated  near  Whifton  in  front  of  the 
speaker,  said  blandly : 

"I  knew  it.     You  must  compromise. " 

Riddleton  continued : 

"  Should  you  adhere  to  the  original  design  of  loving  the 
ideal  without  reservation,  you  shall  die  a  premature  death. 
People  sometimes  call  it  death  by  means  of  a  broken  heart. 
The  reason  of  this  is  obvious :  you  invade  the  line  of  the 
law  as  laid  down  in  the  universe  for  the  regulation  of  love, 
all  its  requirements  not  being  fulfilled,  and  hence  the 
counterpoise  contemplated  by  them  never  appears.  It  is 
not  recommended  that  you  turn  away  wholly  from  your 
ideal,  but  merely  adopt  such  means  as  may  remove  your 
physical  suffering,  with  the  chances  in  your  favor  of  restor- 
ing you  again  to  good  health.  This  remedy  is  found  in 
marriage.  It  constitutes  what  I  have  called  the  '  compro- 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  369 

mise.'  While  it  is  not  a  union  with  your  love,  it  is,  never- 
theless, a  step  further  than  where  you  are  now  in  the  direc- 
tion demanded  by  nature." 

At  the  word  "marriage ' '  Furflew  and  Whifton  exchanged 
glances,  and  groaned  audibly.  Furflew  especially  seemed 
rattled,  for  he  remembered  having  given  Whifton  the  result 
of  his  experience  with  the  dreaded  condition  as  a  warning, 
so  as  to  induce  him  to  continue  a  single  life. 

"I  am  giving  you  the  cure,"  continued  Rob,  "not  my 
individual  opinion.  Prepare  to  carry  it  into  execution, 
because  it  will  prolong  your  life." 

The  silence  following  this  speech  reminded  the  visitors 
it  was  time  to  leave;  so,  after  offering  their  patron  profuse 
thanks  for  his  valuable  advice,  they  departed.  When  they 
reached  the  street  and  regained  the  cart,  Furflew  seemed 
very  much  dissatisfied. 

"  How  I'm  disappointed  in  that  man !  "  he  said  gravely. 

"For  my  part,"  returned  Whifton,  "I  consider  him 
very  wise  and  very  learned.  It  is  really  so.  I  feel  it  in  my 
bones  he  has  told  the  truth." 

"It  is  not  what  I  expected,"  resumed  his  companion 
curtly.  "  Why  should  he  at  this  time  of  day  tell  you  to 
get  married,  after  all  my  experience  before  your  eyes  and 
when  I  calculated  curing  you  myself  through  the  dint  of 
good  times  with  the  circus." 

Whifton  was  inclined  to  smile  at  this  reasoning,  but  re- 
frained from  showing  any  signs  of  amusement  lest  it  should 
offend  his  friend.  He  remarked,  however : 

"  I  would  travel  the  same  journey  again  for  the  same  in- 
formation. It  is  really  so." 

This  emphatic  affirmation  convinced  Furflew  that  Whif- 
ton had  been  juggled  into  the  unholy  belief  of  which  he 


370  IN  THE  DEPTHS    OF 

was  then  possessed.  "Now,  this  is  what  I  call  real  hyp- 
notism," he  said  mentally — "a  man  to  be  brought  over  in 
an  instant  from  the  side  he  was  standing  on  before  for 
years."  Then  he  added  aloud: 

"  Well,  I  am  glad,  old  boy,  I  put  you  on  the  right  track. 
If  ever  you  regret  the  new  change, —  if  ever  you  have  to 
skip,  as  I  did,  remember  the  elephant  job  is  open  to  you  !" 

Soon  after  this  conversation  the  men  parted,  with  many 
expressions  of  friendship  that  would  endure  and  hopes  of  a 
future  meeting  when  everybody  had  become  happy. 

Whifton  returned  home  deeply  impressed  with  a  belief 
in  the  efficacy  of  the  compromise.  It  was  remarked  when 
he  reappeared  on  the  street  that  he  held  his  head  high, 
stepped  briskly  over  the  street  crossings,  and  tittered  at 
every  silly  expression  within  hearing  distance  as  if  he  were 
in  full  accord  with  its  deficiencies  and  significance.  These 
signs  made  people  shake  their  heads  in  a  mysterious  man- 
ner, many  asserting  there  was  "something  in  the  wind," 
while  deeper  thinkers  were  ready  to  guarantee  that  a  turning 
point  in  Whifton's  life  was  approaching.  When,  however, 
it  transpired  that  he  intimated  his  intention  of  occupying 
one  of  his  own  houses  and  buying  furniture,  he  advanced 
immediately  from  being  the  subject  of  innuendo  to  that  of 
table  talk  and  finally  became  the  talk  of  the  town.  He  did 
not  disguise  his  intentions  regarding  matrimony;  and  the 
publicity  given  them,  therefore,  harmonized  with  his 
wishes.  One  of  the  vagaries  of  society,  however,  coming 
under  his  observation  at  this  time  caused  him  no  little  sur- 
prise, as  well  as  that  it  created  a  difficulty  in  his  way  never 
anticipated.  When  the  truth  became  fully  established  that 
he  was  no  longer  in  the  field,  but  on  the  market,  where  his 
individual  liberty  was  to  be  exchanged  for  the  blessings 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  371 

showered  on  the  life  of  a  married  man,  he  was  assailed  by 
a  vast  quantity  of  mail  matter  from  the  four  principal 
sections  of  the  city,  in  which  could  be  enumerated  almost 
every  class  of  human  beings  rich  and  poor.  Among  these 
missives  were  invitations  to  dinners,  luncheons,  lawn  par- 
ties, tea  parties,  suppers,  socials,  hops,  and  private  theatri- 
cals by  the  dozen.  Nor  were  these  the  only  evidences  of 
his  progressive  situation.  The  street  where  he  resided  was 
also  an  object  of  interest  to  the  public,  with  such  favorable 
results  that  it  became  a  fashionable  promenade.  Of  course, 
it  would  never  be  insinuated  here  that  this  selection  had 
been  stimulated  by  the  desire  of  any  one  particular  class  to 
view  Whifton's  property,  or  remotely  Whifton  himself; 
but  his  own  experience  appeared  to  be  that  he  counted  on 
one  occasion  among  the  promenaders  fourteen  eligible 
widows,  nine  grass  widows,  twenty-one  old  maids  of  retir- 
ing aspect,  thirty-seven  new  women,  and  scores  of  others 
married  and  single. 

Whimpering  to  himself,  Whifton  remarked:  "It  is  de- 
cidedly evident  the  '  compromise '  is  full  of  attractions, 
when  one  meets  all  this  at  the  very  door.  I  had  no  idea 
the  market  was  so  well  stocked.  Look  at  me — with  one 
foot  a' most  in  the  grave,  diminutive,  ill-looking,  prone  to 
oddities  and  special  diet,  and  thought  by  some  Eastern 
people  fit  only  to  lead  the  big  elephant  in  a  circus.  Not- 
withstanding all  this,  I  can  select  a  wife  from  the  ranks  of 
beauty,  worth,  and  even  wealth  to  my  heart's  content. 
Oh !  it  is  a  beautiful  provision,  no  matter  who  gives  it  or 
how  it  comes." 

Whifton  went  to  visit  at  the  residence  of  a  rich  farmer 
whose  place  lay  on  the  suburbs  of  the  city  and  who  kept  a 
hog  ranch.  The  only  daughter,  who  doted  on  title  or 


372  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

fame  of  any  kind,  encouraged  the  judge's  visits  and  always 
agreed  with  whatever  view  of  a  subject  he  chose  to  take. 
This  species  of  flattery,  or,  as  some  uncharitable  persons 
would  call  it,  "soft  soap,"  soon  had  its  effect  on  Whifton. 
How  he  reasoned  on  the  case  it  is  not  now  necessary  to 
mention,  but  he  saw  enough  to  convince  him  he  would  not 
be  rejected;  so  he  made  the  important  proposition,  which 
resulted  favorably,  and  was  married.  Strange  as  it  may 
appear,  Whifton's  physical  ailments,  and  through  them  the 
mental  ones,  gradually  improved,  and  in  a  short  time  it  was 
apparent  to  everybody  he  would  fully  recover  his  health. 

The  war  went  on  without  him. 

While  the  thunders  of  great  battles  were  heard  beyond 
the  horizon,  he  wrestled  with  the  difficulties  of  law  on  the 
one  hand  and  family  cares  on  the  other. 

Children  were  born  to  him  as  if,  like  European  princes, 
the  government  were  ready  and  willing  to  appropriate  im- 
mense sums  of  money  for  their  support.  The  Whiftons 
grew  in  numbers,  importance,  and  respectability.  They 
lived  well  in  magnificent  quarters,  and  were  accounted  val- 
uable members  of  society.  Did  he  ever  think  of  his  ideal 
love  ?  Oh,  yes !  It  was  yet  in  his  inner  heart,  but  obscured 
and  growing  less,  like  the  sun  when  he  sinks  to  his  rest, 
leaving  in  the  western  sky  traces  of  the  glory  which  sur- 
rounded him  here — a  beautiful  memento,  brilliant  enough 
to  be  a  companion  of,  and  to  mingle  with,  the  stars. 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  373 

CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

SEEKING   THE    OLD    LAIR. 

'"TT^HE  Pottawattaraie  County  hospital,  located  in  the 
J_  suburbs  of  Council  Bluffs,  received  into  one  of  its 
wards,  about  the  close  of  the  war,  a  patient  whom  none  of 
the  attendants  could  recognize  as  belonging  to  the  city. 
A  farmer  carrying  some  produce  to  market  found  him  in 
a  helpless  condition  on  the  roadside,  and  charitably  carried 
him  in  where  he  would  receive  proper  attention.  The  inci- 
dent in  itself  was  commonplace,  for,  unfortunately,  such 
scenes  occur  with  unremitting  frequency  in  public  insti- 
tutions of  this  kind ;  but  beneath  the  exterior  forms  of  it, 
in  the  present  instance,  there  lurked  a  hideous  tale  of  one 
who  had  fought  the  world  for  mastery  in  the  character  of 
a  criminal  and  had  suffered  woeful  defeat.  The  patient, 
unconscious  at  the  time  of  admission,  revived  under  judi- 
cious appliances  and  careful  nursing.  It  was  found  by  the 
attending  physician  that  the  man  had  been  shot  in  the 
left  arm,  that  in  consequence  he  had  suffered  from  debility 
aggravated  by  exposure,  and  that  it  was  as  likely  as  not  he 
would  die.  When  his  speech  became  audible,  for  he  mut- 
tered a  good  deal,  mentioning  the  name  of  Judge  Whifton, 
it  was  concluded  that  he  wished  to  obtain  the  services  of  a 
justice  of  the  peace  so  as  to  make  an  ante-mortem  state- 
ment. Hence  a  message  sent  to  the  Judge  with  the  facts 
brought  him  in  due  time  to  the  hospital. 

Whifton  walked  up  the  center  of  the  sick  ward  with  a 
lofty  air,  as  one  weighted  with  the  wisdom  of  the  bench 
and  the  responsibility  of  protecting  society  from  every 
species  of  attack  known  or  imagined.  The  attendant  who 


374  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

guided  him,  stopping  near  the  foot  of  a  bed  at  the  extrem- 
ity of  the  ward,  made  a  motion  with  his  hand  towards  the 
occupant  of  it,  saying,  "This  is  the  man,"  and  then  with- 
drew. For  a  moment  Whifton  saw  nothing  other  than  a 
wretched  countenance  shrunken  almost  to  death,  but  im- 
mediately thereafter,  when  the  stranger  turned  his  languid 
eyes  upon  him,  he  began  to  tremble  as  if  seized  by  an  ague 
fit.  This  was  due  more  to  surprise  than  fear,  for  he  recog- 
nized in  the  sick  man  one  above  all  others  never  expected 
to  be  seen  in  such  condition;  namely,  Hamilton  Hitch. 

As  if  drawn  by  magnetism,  Whifton  approached  the  man 
and  took  a  seat  available  near  him,  gazing  rapidly  round 
the  apartment  so  as  to  ascertain  if  their  conversation  could 
be  conducted  without  the  presence  of  listeners.  Fortu- 
nately there  were  no  other  patients  in  this  ward,  which  ap- 
pears to  have  been  reserved  for  such  cases  as  the  one  now 
in  it.  Whifton  did  not  speak ;  he  only  gazed  wonderingly 
at  his  companion,  while  his  heart  fluttered  and  his  brain 
became  confused  with  the  pressure  of  multifarious  ideas 
within  it.  He  breathed  with  difficulty  —  almost  gasped  — 
and  the  pallor  overspreading  his  face  was  even  more  deathly 
than  that  on  the  features  of  Hamilton  Hitch.  The  sick 
man,  observing  Whifton's  condition,  said  in  a  strange  pip- 
ing voice,  "You  are  surprised."  Then,  as  one  who  had 
important  information  to  impart  and  desired  to  give  it 
regardless  of  the  absence  of  comment  or  reply,  he  con- 
tinued : 

"When  everything  else  failed,  I  thought  of  coming  to 
you.  I  knew  I  would  receive  protection,  not  only  because 
I  favored  your  application  for  the  release  of  Herondine, 
but  because  I  felt  you  were  always  good.  In  the  depths  of 
the  extremity  to  which  I  was  reduced,  a  strange  longing 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  375 

came  over  me  to  return  even  into  the  neighborhood  of  my 
old  home  in  Omaha,  where  I  had  lived  so  many  quiet  years. 
This  desire  urged  me  still  further  with  a  hope  that  after  a 
little  time  spent  here  I  might  escape  into  the  wildest  part  of 
the  plains  and  burrow  in  it  like  a  wild  beast.  For  once,  per- 
haps, I  would  receive  the  full  measure  of  my  expectations. 
"  Before  it  is  too  late,  let  me  tell  you  what  happened  in 
the  South.  Soon  after  that  first  affair  of  ours  —  the  thirty 
thousand  dollar  job — it  was  discovered  by  the  men  that 
Sternbeard  and  Greenlaugh  had  plotted  to  win  their 
money.  This  fact  divided  the  lodge  into  little  bickering 
parties  as  much  opposed  to  each  other  as  the  contending 
armies  in  the  field.  In  about  a  year  after  this  we  had 
another  robbery,  when  we  realized  about  ten  thousand 
dollars.  It  was  an  open  day  affair  conducted  after  the  plan 
formerly  pursued,  and  was  quite  successful.  The  person 
robbed  was  a  banker's  messenger  returning  with  his  day's 
collections  and  intercepted  before  reaching  the  bank. 
After  the  division  of  the  money,  the  men  began  to  play 
poker  as  usual,  Lorraf  and  Rinz  being  the  principal  dealers. 
When  it  was  found  that  the  sharpers  were  raking  in  all  the 
money,  there  was  a  row.  Men  drew  pistols,  and,  after  the 
use  of  some  fiery  language,  fired.  The  two  captains,  about 
coming  on  the  scene,  were  warned  to  keep  away  until  the 
storm  subsided  or  they  would  be  shot.  There  was  great 
uproar,  and  I  was  called  down  to  restore  order.  I  suc- 
ceeded with  much  difficulty.  Some  of  the  men  threatened 
myself.  It  was  found  that  Lorraf  and  Rinz  had  received 
injuries  from  which  they  soon  after  died.  My  report  of  the 
unfortunate  affair  stated  that  the  men  were  shot  by  their 
comrades  for  mutiny.  That  covered  it.  I  then  gave 
orders  to  stop  gambling  altogether,  but  they  were  not 


376  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

obeyed.  The  captains  found  through  private  information 
that  the  men  had  formed  self-preservation  societies,  so  as 
to  maintain  what  they  called  their  rights,  and  oppose  us 
during  future  critical  periods  of  trouble.  I  knew  that  this 
kind  of  independence  would  ruin  everything.  It  was  an- 
archy within  anarchy,  and  must  end  in  destroying  itself. 

"It  is  singular  how  logical  conclusions  may  be  made 
ineffectual  by  circumstances.  My  plans  were  well  con- 
ceived and  calculated  to  be  successful ;  but  when  tested  by 
the  ways  of  the  world  and  law,  they  failed.  This  was  be- 
cause some  item  in  the  plan  proved  unsound,  bringing 
disaster  on  the  others.  It  was  straight  enough  for  a  few 
fearless  men  to  surprise  and  threaten  and  rob  an  individual ; 
but  to  keep  these  fellows  afterwards  in  line,  bound  down 
by  rule  to  secrecy  and  forgetfulness,  was  the  greatest  part 
of  the  work.  When  employing  the  men,  I  did  not  take 
into  consideration  their  liability  to  mental  weakness,  drunk- 
enness, treachery,  and  other  evil  propensities  associated 
with  persons  who  have  set  the  law  at  defiance.  I  have  now 
learned  that  if  you  call  forth  evil  it  will  strike  yourself. 
Should  you  design  it  for  the  injury  of  others,  it  will  turn  in 
its  path  and  wound  you  even  to  death,  so  merciless  is  it. 
Here  you  see  the  difference  between  a  good  and  evil  design 
and  good  and  evil  agents.  The  results  in  the  one  case  will 
be  beneficial,  but  in  the  other  disastrous  and  death-dealing. 
My  life  was  a  delusion.  I  hated  society;  but  this  only 
made  my  own  mind  a  torment,  while  the  people  enjoyed 
themselves  as  heretofore.  Surely  this  was  no  advantage  to 
me.  Experience  taught  me  more  than  anything  else. 

"  I  received  frequent  reports  of  the  dissatisfaction  of 
the  men,  due  to  the  most  trivial  causes,  and  it  was  hinted 
that  both  Sternbeard  and  Greenlaugh  were  not  above  plot- 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  377 

ting  mischief  to  myself.  Thus  it  became  apparent  that 
nothing  would  arise  to  me  out  of  my  creation,  my  lifelong 
study  of  the  masked  lodge,  but  dissensions,  threats,  heart- 
aches, and  mortal  fear  of  assassination.  There  was  another 
potent  cause  of  trouble  amongst  us;  namely,  disagreement 
on  account  of  variation  in  our  opinions.  It  was  curious 
to  watch  the  way  this  seemed  to  be  produced.  While  the 
men  were  busy  with  ordinary  duty,  there  was  some  little 
peace;  but  when  dressed  in  new  clothes  and  filled  with  a 
good  dinner,  they  ventilated  the  most  extravagant  ideas. 
The  most  ignorant  men  stood  on  their  feet  the  longest  in 
debate,  and  asserted  positively  that  they  would  not  believe 
anything  but  their  own  opinions,  no  matter  what  happened. 
About  the  time  of  these  discussions  it  was  suggested  to  me  to 
permit  individual  members  of  the  guards  to  go  into  the  city 
at  night  for  the  purpose  of  'holding  up'  belated  business 
men  or  others  who  should  have  been  at  home  with  their 
families  instead  of  in  the  street.  At  first  the  permit  was  not 
given  or  sanctioned;  but  the  party  pleaded  so  persistently 
that,  suppressing  my  better  judgment,  I  let  them  go.  This 
break  into  my  original  plans  proved  ruinous.  In  a  period 
of  one  month  from  the  time  referred  to,  three  of  my  men 
were  admitted  to  hospital  on  account  of  wounds  received  in 
their  midnight  raids,  and  six  captured  as  outlaws  and  held 
to  answer  for  robbery  in  the  superior  court.  As  they  had 
been  dressed  in  civilian  clothing  at  the  time  of  their  oper- 
ations, they  were  not  known  to  belong  to  my  company  of 
troops;  but  we  entertained  grave  fears  that  some  of  them 
might  peach. 

"  There  never  came  a  day  that  did  not  reveal  some  ter- 
rible possibility  hanging  over  us  of  imprisonment  or  death. 
The  war  news  proved  a  great  source  of  uneasiness.  From 


378  7.V  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

having  been  confident  of  the  success  of  the  Confederacy,  I 
grew  doubtful  and  finally  lost  all  hope.  The  withdrawal  of 
the  army  from  Richmond  was  the  signal  for  breaking  up 
the  lodge.  The  men  seemed  crazed  with  the  prospect  of 
release  from  the  restraints  of  the  lodge,  and  actually  howled 
like  half-famished  wolves.  Many  had  old  scores  to  settle, 
and  they  adjusted  them  with  a  vengeance.  Sternbeard  and 
Greenlaugh  were  shot  at  several  times  by  their  own  men, 
but  managed  to  escape  unhurt,  although  their  hats  and 
outer  garments  must  have  been  perforated  by  bullets.  They 
went  north.  For  my  part,  I  was  obliged  to  abandon 
everything  and  take  to  flight  to  save  my  life.  Even  as  I 
fled  precipitately,  one  of  the  men,  seizing  a  carbine,  fired 
at  me.  The  ball  struck  my  left  arm,  fracturing  the  bone. 
I  fell  as  if  dead,  which  prevented  further  assault;  but  I 
revived  soon  afterwards  and  made  my  escape  as  far  as  the 
Federal  lines,  where  one  of  the  doctors  bound  up  my  arm. 
The  balance  of  the  lodge  scattered  so  thoroughly  as  to 
leave  no  evidence  that  the  institution  had  ever  existed. 
It  pulverized  itself.  The  members  were  terrorized  at  sight 
of  each  other  after  my  control  had  been  suppressed,  and 
slunk  away  singly  so  as  to  begin  a  new  career  among 
strangers  planned  according  to  their  individual  ideas. 

"  Nothing  in  my  whole  life  brought  me  such  a  severe 
lesson  as  this  castigation  which  I  received  at  the  hands  of 
my  own  set,  fellows  that  I  elevated  to  the  distinction  of 
being  my  friends  and  brothers.  Herein,  of  course,  was  my 
error — that  such  selection  and  classification  should  ever  be 
laid  on  evil  lines  with  the  expectation  of  achieving  success. 
I  felt  I  had  been  whipped  at  my  best  trade.  Uncompromis- 
ing defeat  came  to  me  at  my  own  door.  I  could  overcome 
my  enemies  by  the  force  of  concentrated  evil  in  my  inward 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  379 

nature,  but  when  my  friends  plotted  for  my  destruction  I 
became  helpless.  Besides,  mark  my  condition :  I  had  grown 
old ;  I  was  alone ;  Danderton  was  dead ;  all  my  money, 
placed  at  the  disposal  of  the  Confederate  government, 
was  lost,  without  even  the  chance  of  recovering  a  cent 
on  the  dollar;  the  personal  property  in  my  apartments 
was  valueless,  owing  to  the  disturbed  condition  of  the 
times;  and  my  life  stood  in  imminent  danger  from  friends 
on  the  one  hand  and  foes  on  the  other.  On  the  broad 
surface  of  the  earth  everything  viewed  through  my  mental 
vision  was  black  and  threatening.  Strange  that  at  such  a 
moment  I  looked  into  the  sky,  and  the  balmy  influence 
which  instantly  reached  my  spirit  turned  my  thoughts  to 
other  and  better  subjects, —  back  along  the  crooked  road 
of  my  poor  life, —  back  to  the  days  spent  with  my  early 
innocent  companions, — back  to  my  mother!  Oh  God!  I 
wept  like  a  child  at  such  memory  when  held  side  by  side 
with  my  own  willful  career,  that  had  carried  me  to  the  edge 
of  the  pit  and  was  about  to  throw  me  in.  Necessity  then 
forced  me  to  consider  if  I  had  performed  even  one  act  that 
might  be  accounted  good,  and  I  remembered  that  you  had 
persuaded  me  to  liberate  Herondine." 

Whifton,  who  had  recovered  equanimity  of  mind,  inter- 
rupted the  speaker  by  saying: 

"  It  is  really  so;  and  furthermore,  let  me  tell  you,  if  you 
manage  to  live  I  might  get  you  something.  Herondine  is 
a  noble  man,  and  powerful.  We  dare  not  now  even  imag- 
ine what  he  might  do  in  the  future  if  asked." 

A  peculiar  light  gleamed  in  the  eyes  of  the  prostrate 
man,  which  seemed  to  be  some  phase  of  geniality  created 
by  the  hope  held  up  by  Whifton.  The  semblance  of  a 
smile  flitted  across  his  features  like  the  sheen  of  the  moon 


380  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

coming  an  instant  through  the  clouds  over  the  dark  surface 
of  a  pool. 

"I  thought  of  you,"  he  continued.  "Among  other 
things,  I  imagined  if  we  had  been  companions  in  the  lodge, 
I  chief  and  you  major,  you  would  have  gradually  brought 
me  over  to  your  way  of  thinking." 

"How  much  better  it  would  have  been,"  said  Whifton, 
"if  we  had  been  companions  in  civil  life,  living  according 
to  law  and  in  full  possession  of  the  privilege  of  legitimate 
freedom,  fearing  no  charge,  envying  no  person  his  success, 
proud  of  our  native  home,  and  happy  in  the  possession  of 
plenty!" 

The  sick  man  made  no  direct  reply.  He  mused  as  if  seek- 
ing a  reason  to  justify  his  criminal  life.  Then  he  answered : 

"Teaching  was  too  weak  for  my  trouble.  I  never 
attempted  to  resist  the  infatuation  which  stealing  held  out 
for  me.  If  I  ever  considered  for  a  moment  whether  or  not  I 
possessed  power  sufficient  to  overcome  this  infatuation,  when 
I  came  to  examine  it  there  was  none.  You  must  remember 
there  are  roses  without  perfume  and  oranges  without  seeds. 
Therefore  something  more  than  mere  words  was  necessary 
to  turn  me  aside  from  my  evil  course — some  radical  chas- 
tisement, which  eventually  came.  When  I  had  determined 
on  my  destination,  I  arose,  and,  catching  a  horse,  for 
there  were  many  of  them  in  the  place,  mounted  and  pro- 
ceeded on  my  journey.  Passing  through  the  scenes  of 
recent  battles,  I  encountered  many  difficulties.  Feeling  my 
strength  giving  out,  I  feared  I  would  never  see  you  again. 
A  few  persons  assisted  me  upon  my  representing  to  them  that 
I  was  a  wounded  soldier  returning  home.  A  short  distance 
from  town  my  horse  fell  unable  to  travel  further;  and  be- 
lieving that  my  time  had  also  come,  for  I  felt  the  weakness 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  381 

of  death  at  my  heart,  I  sank  by  the  roadside  and  became 
unconscious.  When  I  recovered  I  found  myself  here. 
Then  I  asked  to  see  you." 

"How  am  I  to  steer  through  the  danger?"  inquired 
Whifton  in  a  low  voice. 

"  Give  them  a  card  with  this  piece  of  information  on  it," 
returned  Hamilton  Hitch:  "John  Chisel  ton,  en  route  to 
the  Black  Hills;  wounded;  paid  off  in  full;  accounts 
checked  and  settled." 

Whifton,  taking  a  notebook  from  his  pocket,  wrote  as 
directed  on  a  fly  leaf,  which  he  held  for  presentation  to 
the  superintendent  of  the  hospital.  Then  his  companion 
resumed  impressively: 

"  I  release  you  from  all  bonds,  promises,  contracts,  or 
obligations  involved  in  your  connection  with  our  society. 
I  leave  you  absolutely  free,  and  hope  you  may  be  happy. ' ' 

Whifton  rose  to  depart,  saying  he  would  look  in  next 
day. 

Before  he  left  the  hospital,  Whifton  handed  to  the  super- 
intendent the  fly  leaf  with  its  inscription,  and  remarked  in 
an  official  manner: 

"The  sick  man  desired  me  to  hand  you  this  note,  and 
requests  you  would  accept  it  as  his  record,  to  which  the 
superintendent  replied,  with  a  good-natured  bow  and  a 
smile,  "  Certainly.  Thank  you,"  but,  as  if  to  relieve  him- 
self, and  his  honor  the  Judge,  from  the  unpleasant  mem- 
ories of  the  case,  inquired  lightly: 

"Do  you  think  it  will  rain,  Judge?" 

"Ah!  well,  now  that  you  give  me  the  cue,"  said  Whif- 
ton, "  I  believe  we  have  had  or  will  have  a  fall,  but  prob- 
ably may  be  obliged  to  wait  until  it  comes.  It  is  really 
so." 


382  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

The  superintendent  laughed  at  what  he  considered  a 
well-turned  witticism,  while  Whifton  thought  he  had  had  a 
narrow  escape  from  becoming  ridiculous,  on  account  of  two 
subjects  pressing  his  brain  at  the  same  moment — the  fall  of 
Judge  Hitch  and  the  coming  of  a  storm. 

Next  morning  Whifton  received  a  message  from  the 
hospital  that  "  Chiselton  "  died  at  midnight.  Notwith- 
standing the  career  of  the  man,  the  petty  judge  was 
shocked,  on  receipt  of  the  news  of  his  death,  by  a  combi- 
nation of  fear,  friendliness,  sorrow,  and  joy.  The  last  chain 
that  had  bound  him  to  a  condition  of  mental  depression 
fell  broken  at  his  feet,  and  he  stood  in  the  light  of  day  a 
free  man. 

In  reviewing  incidents  of  his  past  life,  Whifton  saw 
clearly  and  forcibly  how  he  had  been  rewarded  even  by 
circumstances  for  the  act  of  rescuing  Herondine.  The 
trivial  offense  originally  and  innocently  committed  by 
which  he  promised  to  keep  secret  for  twenty  dollars  the 
crime  of  another,  dragged  him  forward  little  by  little  until 
he  actually  touched  heinous  iniquity,  without,  however, 
incriminating  himself;  but  this  was  due  to  the  fact  that  the 
peculiarity  of  his  love  directed  him  into  a  channel  that 
ultimately  saved  him  from  ruin  and  premature  death. 

As  to  the  fate  of  Hamilton  Hitch  in  escaping  the  gal- 
lows, it  may  be  considered  by  some  persons  a  misfortune 
that  he  did  not  receive  his  just  dues.  To  his  own  mind, 
there  is  no  doubt  that  during  the  last  days  of  his  life,  hang- 
ing would  have  been  a  relief  to  him  as  tending  to  cut  off 
the  mental  torture  by  which  he  was  assailed.  In  whatever 
direction  he  turned  his  thoughts,  he  met  nothing  but  vis- 
ions of  crime,  treachery,  and  debasement  below  the  level  of 
the  brute.  There  was  no  beauty  on  the  earth  or  in  the 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  383 

heavens  to  administer  solace  to  his  soul,  because  he  had 
schooled  himself  to  live  without  it  during  the  long  years  of 
his  existence;  and  even  now,  while  life  flickered  within 
him,  he  loved  to  brood  over  dark  phases  of  human  nature, 
wretchedness,  and  iniquity.  His  bodily  sufferings,  also, 
must  have  been  excruciating;  and  the  fear  of  pursuit  or 
detection  by  some  of  his  own  gang  made  him  feel  like  a 
wild  beast  hunted  by  bloo'dhounds !  He  died  in  the  night 
—a  time,  too,  when  good  men  die — but  with  him  there 
was  no  hope  or  consoling  word  or  kind  adieu  or  prayer  for 
a  place  in  the  blissful  state  beyond  the  grave.  The  remains 
were  buried  in  the  potter's  field  in  a  grave  without  a  head- 
stone or  any  exterior  sign  to  indicate  that  the  place  was 
occupied  save  certain  measurements  marked  in  the  records 
of  the  cemetery.  The  world  went  on  in  the  usual  manner, 
and  the  criminal  was  at  rest. 


CHAPTER  XXIX. 

THE    RESULT    OF    FINAL    REPARATION. 

AS  Whifton's  mind  grew  stronger  under  the  impetus  of 
A\.  good  health  and  freedom  from  terror  such  as  had 
afflicted  it  in  the  days  of  Hamilton  Hitch,  he  resolved  on 
making  final  reparation  for  his  offense,  if  such  it  could  be 
called,  in  having  had  any  association  whatever  with  the 
thieves  of  the  masked  lodge.  To  do  this  effectively  he 
believed  it  essential  to  consult  Herondine,  as  well  as  that 
he  would  reveal  to  him  the  whole  proceedings  and  get  his 
advice.  As  on  former  occasions,  there  would  be  one  secret 
reserved  from  exposure — his  love  for  Grace  Herondine, 


384  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

which  was  now  so  far  mollified  as  to  permit  him  discussing 
kindred  subjects  without  pain. 

At  that  time  Herondine  was  a  member  of  the  United 
States  Senate,  having  been  selected  for  that  exalted  position 
in  accordance  with  the  wishes  of  the  people  of  New  York 
in  consideration  of  his  services  during  the  war.  Hence 
Whifton's  journey  east  would  carry  him  again  to  Washing- 
ton— a  contingency  quite  agreeable  to  him,  as  he  delighted 
in  perambulating  through  the  wide  streets  of  the  national 
capital  with  the  fascinating  prospect  of  meeting  war  veter- 
ans by  the  score  on  every  corner.  It  was  a  sight  long  to 
be  remembered  when  Whifton,  dressed  like  a  country  judge 
in  striped  pantaloons,  diagonal  cutaway  coat,  and  pique 
vest,  stood  at  the  doorway  of  Herondine's  office  in  the 
Capitol  and  waited  an  introduction  to  the  distinguished 
New  York  senator.  The  western  man  was  a  trifle  pale,  his 
face  being  also  elongated  on  account  of  the  weight  and 
importance  of  his  thoughts;  but  at  intervals  he  would 
proudly  protrude  his  breast  forward,  look  upward  as  if 
critically  examining  the  workmanship  of  the  ceiling,  and 
shake  his  little  boots  alternately  the  better  to  adjust  the 
covering  of  his  nether  limbs. 

Herondine's  reception  of  Whifton  was  cordial.  When 
he  became  aware  that  his  visitor  could  supply  what  may  be 
called  the  "  missing  link  "  in  his  own  history,  which  here- 
tofore was  wanting  and  referred  to  the  person  or  cause 
responsible  for  his  liberation,  he  became  at  once  deeply 
interested  and  invited  a  repetition  of  the  whole  story. 
Whifton's  narrative  of  what  came  under  his  observation 
from  the  time  he  quitted  Washington  to  the  death  of  Ham- 
ilton Hitch  proved  astounding  to  Herondine.  The  accu- 
racy of  the  details,  backed  by  authentic  documents  in  Whif- 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  385 

ton's  possession,  dates,  descriptions  of  individuals,  and 
collateral  information  obtained  from  Furflew  and  Rob 
Riddleton,  made  the  whole  statement  very  reliable  and 
complete. 

"You  remember,"  continued  Whifton,  "the  single-file 
man  in  rear  of  your  escort  when  leaving  Richmond,  muf- 
fled beyond  recognition?  I  was  that  man." 

"Such  heroism  as  this  I  have  never  seen  equaled," 
returned  Herondine.  "I  recollect  the  person  well,"  he 
continued,  "  for  I  invited  the  captain's  attention  to  him. 
Green  laugh  replied  you  had  recently  joined  the  troop  but 
they  had  not  yet  given  you  any  distinguishing  name. 
However,  I  watched  the  outline  of  your  figure  before  part- 
ing, and  can  readily  recognize  it  now." 

With  renewed  interest  in  the  information  obtainable, 
Herondine  questioned  Whifton  on  special  points. 

"  How  did  you  hope  to  influence  Hamilton  Hitch,  in  the 
first  place?"  he  said. 

"From  my  former  acquaintance  with  him.  I  knew  he 
was  bound  to  have  some  villainous  business  on  hand  as  a 
side  issue,  which  if  concurred  in  would  gain  his  favor. 
Besides,  I  heard  about  his  secret  work  before  starting.  I 
had  a  token  left  me  by  him  at  the  time  of  quitting  Omaha 
for  the  South." 

Here  Whifton  related  how  he  first  met  Hamilton  Hitch 
as  already  known  to  the  reader.  Then  in  turn  he  ques- 
tioned Herondine: 

"  How  do  I  now  stand  in  the  eye  of  the  law?  " 

"  To  begin  with,  I  exonerate  you,"  returned  Herondine. 
"The  means  you  employed  to  save  my  life,  if  free  from 
any  motive,  would  undoubtedly  be  criminal;  but  the  whole 
history  of  the  case  shows  the  absence  of  criminal  intent, 


386  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

with  the  saving  of  my  life  the  only  object  in  view,  and 
therefore  your  action  was  not  merely  commendable  but 
deserving  a  rich  reward.  Now,  tell  me  further:  why  did 
you  select  me  in  preference  to  many  other  men  then  in  the 
hands  of  the  Confederates  ?  Was  there  any  secret  motive 
moving  you  to  this  course  ?  I  was  a  stranger,  residing  even 
in  a  different  state  from  yours,  and  had  not  the  advantage 
of  knowing  you." 

Whifton  knew  this  question  would  come,  and  was  pre- 
pared for  it.  He  replied: 

"  I  had  no  power  with  the  parties  holding  other  prison- 
ers, and  you  were  the  only  one  under  the  jurisdiction  of  my 
man.  When  informed  by  Furflew  of  your  capture,  I  knew 
by  the  description  he  gave  of  the  party  that  the  leader  was 
Danderton  Hitch.  This  meant  to  me  that  you  would  be 
carried  to  Richmond,  and  all  the  rest  that  was  to  follow 
came  plainly  to  view.  I  admit  no  other  man  could  judge 
as  I  did  at  that  time,  but  this  was  because  he  had  not  the 
same  amount  of  information.  Your  rescue  appeared  so 
easy  that  I  would  even  hold  myself  a  criminal  if  I  did  not 
go  forward  and  procure  it.  It  is  really  so." 

This  forcible  exposition  of  Whifton's  motives  proved 
satisfactory  to  Herondine.  It  appeared  wonderful,  and  yet 
the  results  as  achieved  by  Whifton  were  so  plainly  derived 
from  causes  such  as  those  that  would  sway  the  action  of  a 
thief  like  Hamilton  Hitch  that  they  could  not  be  denied. 
Herondine  was  profuse  in  his  thanks,  and  invited  Whifton 
to  spend  a  month  with  him  in  New  York  during  recess. 

"  Many  changes  have  occurred  in  my  establishment  since 
the  first  year  of  the  war,"  he  said.  "My  father-in-law, 
Judge  Finnestare,  is  dead  some  years.  My  two  aunts  also 
died.  Madam  Gloriana  left  to  join  some  of  her  relatives, 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  387 

and  Felice  went  south  at  the  close  of  the  war.  Mrs. 
Herondine  is  well,  and  we  have  three  children  —  two  boys 
and  a  girl." 

Whifton  apologized  on  account  of  inability  to  accept  his 
friend's  invitation,  pleading  family  cares  and  official  duty; 
"but,"  said  he,  "  I  wish  very  much  to  know  the  fate  of 
some  of  the  characters  who  figured  with  us  in  the  years  just 
passed." 

Herondine,  understanding  the  purport  of  the  question, 
replied: 

"Rob  Riddleton  remained  connected  with  the  secret 
service  during  the  war.  His  career  was  distinguished  by 
wonderful  exploits,  and  truly  his  services  were  exceedingly 
valuable.  Furflew  made  a  fortune  at  the  circus  business, 
from  which  he  retired  after  two  years'  experience.  In  New 
York  he  purchased  a  fane  residence  on  a  fashionable  street, 
and  joined  a  club  where  he  enjoyed  himself  to  the  full 
extent  of  his  desires.  I  was  told  that  he  died  recently, 
some  said  on  account  of  having  eaten  fourteen  lamb  chops 
one  night  before  retiring  to  rest  and  during  the  progress  of 
the  club's  high  jinks.  Saracen  Gay,  having  seen  the  world 
in  many  of  its  everyday  aspects,  including  the  elephant  of 
Furflew's  circus,  returned  to  his  estate  in  the  South  con- 
tented and  determined  to  remain  there  the  balance  of  his 
life.  His  chief  delight  now  appears  to  be  the  holding  of  dia- 
logues with  Flappins  on  all  the  scenes  witnessed  by  them  dur- 
ing their  travels,  thus  living  their  lives  over  again,  to  their 
own  great  amusement  as  well  as  that  of  their  listeners." 

At  the  introduction  of  the  names  of  Sternbeard  and 
Greenlaugh  there  was  a  long  pause,  after  which  a  lively 
discussion  ensued  as  to  what  further  action,  if  any,  would 
be  taken  in  respect  to  them  by  Herondine  and  Whifton. 


388  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

"Unfortunately,  I  have  recommended  them  for  perma- 
nent positions,"  remarked  Herondine,  "  not  knowing  their 
real  character;  15ut  as  their  associates  are  all  honorable  men, 
they  may  not  in  future  swerve  from  the  paths  of  duty  and 
rectitude.  Now,"  he  continued  impressively,  "we  come 
to  you.  Your  action  in  my  behalf  has  made  you  great. 
The  consciousness  of  it  must  be  a  source  of  gratification  to 
you  during  your  life  and  a  kind  of  ideal  heirloom  in  the 
history  of  your  family  for  ages  in  the  future.  Moreover, 
it  is  only  proper  that  you  be  suitably  rewarded  for  deeds 
that  few  men  would  undertake  to  perform.  Through  my 
influence  with  the  President,  and  in  acknowledgment  of 
your  valuable  services,  I  shall  have  you  appointed  United 
States  district  judge  in  the  district  in  which  you  are  now  a 
justice  of  the  peace.  This  will  be  a  permanent  position, 
and  enable  you  to  live  comfortably,  enjoying  at  the  same 
time  honor  and  renown." 

Whifton  turned  pale  with  delight  at  the  announcement. 
To  him  it  was  the  unexpected.  What  he  had  sought  in 
these  latter  days — namely,  health  and  peace  —  he  had 
found  as  soon  as  he  understood  how  to  comply  with  natural 
law,  thus  reconciling  him  to  the  belief  that  the  practice  of 
good  deeds  will  surely  bring  an  earthly  reward.  Now, 
however,  a  great  source  of  emolument  as  well  as  a  great 
dignity  was  going  to  be  thrust  upon  him  as  if  to  elevate 
his  mind  beyond  the  limits  assigned  to  those  of  men,  to 
charm  his  soul  with  the  emotion  of  fame  and  his  heart  with 
the  liberality  of  wealth.  He  was  amazed  at  fate  —  if  this 
approaching  prosperity  was  any  sign  of  its  existence  — 
or  that  peculiar  train  of  circumstances  which  followed  his 
actions  and  finally  laid  such  immense  treasures  at  his  feet. 
What  had  he  done  ?  he  asked  himself.  Simply  played  a 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  389 

straight  game,  never  reneging  once.  That  was  all.  And 
for  this  heaven  and  earth  seemed  moved  simultaneously, 
impelled  by  a  common  desire  to  offer  him  the  rarest  gifts 
in  their  possession.  Oh,  how  blind  are  those  who  espouse 
the  methods  of  a  villain  in  the  expectation  of  gaining 
anything,  whereas  by  a  little  wisdom  exercised  in  one's 
own  behalf,  a  little  perseverance  in  the  pursuit  of  right  as 
required  by  law,  and  a  little  patience,  everything  in  the 
hand  of  nature  suitable  to  human  life  may  be  obtained,  with 
the  power  of  enjoyment  given  gratis.  High  as  was  the 
esteem,  however,  into  which  Whifton  had  been  elevated, 
great  as  were  the  gifts  bestowed  on  him,  yet  he  sighed  for 
the  unattainable,  verifying  the  supposition  that,  owing  to 
the  varying  incidents  associated  with  human  life  by  which 
it  is  disturbed  like  the  restless  tides  of  the  sea,  complete  hap- 
piness is  an  impossibility.  In  the  plenitude  of  his  joy  he 
turned  back  to  the  time  when  he  first  loved  Grace  Finnes- 
tare.  How  beautiful  it  would  have  been,  he  thought,  if 
these  favors  had  come  to  him  then.  He  might  have  gone 
forward  encouraged  by  the  judge,  her  father,  and  heard  her 
sweet  voice  make  music  for  his  soul ;  perhaps  have  felt  the 
tips  of  her  fingers  on  his  brow,  like  the  touch  of  an  angel; 
and  —  who  knows? — he  might  have  won  her. 

For  three  days  Whifton  remained  in  Washington  the 
guest  of  Herondine.  He  was  introduced  to  the  President, 
saw  the  great  public  buildings  of  the  city,  and  wandered 
through  the  Capitol  as  if  it  were  a  fairy  castle  whose  dome 
on  the  interior  had  been  beautified  by  a  celebrated  designer 
named  Jack  Robinson.  As  indicated  by  Herondine,  Whif- 
ton was  appointed  district  judge.  When  the  time  for  part- 
ing came,  each  of  the  friends  seemed  very  much  distressed 
—  Whifton  because  he  venerated  Herondine,  and  Heron- 


390  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF 

dine  because  he  felt  gratitude  for  Whifton.  So  is  it  with 
the  parting  of  all  good  men. 

Whatever  others  may  have  to  write  or  speak  of  American 
men  in  public  office,  it  can  be  asserted  positively  that  the 
two  here  mentioned,  with  whose  history  we  have  been  more 
or  less  concerned,  were  honorable  and  just,  faithful  and 
true,  and  preserved  their  integrity  pure  and  unsullied  to  the 
end.  Whifton's  record  went  through  all  the  western  coun- 
try, and  some  lawyers  ventured  even  to  quote  his  opinions 
on  the  grounds  that  they  were  clearly  logical.  Whifton, 
however,  died  a  short  time  ago,  leaving  a  fortune  to  his 
widow  and  children,  besides  a  good  reputation. 

Great  was  the  surprise  in  the  Herondine  household  when 
Grace  heard  the  true  history  of  her  husband's  rescue. 

"I  was  almost  positive,"  she  said  to  Herondine  when 
discussing  the  subject  "  that  the  President  or  the  Secretary 
of  War  moved  the  authorities  in  Richmond  to  save  you." 

"And  I,"  responded  the  husband,  "believed  it  must 
have  been  derived  from  my  friends  in  the  Senate,  or  an 
individual  friend  residing  in  the  S_outh  in  touch  with  the 
executive." 

"  It  seems  almost  incredible,"  resumed  the  lady,  "that 
one  of  the  people  —  that  is,  of  the  class  devoid  of  wealth, 
influence,  and  political  power — should  be  willing  and 
capable  of  achieving  such  an  extraordinary  deed." 

"  It  proves  to  us,  my  dear,"  replied  the  husband,  "  that 
even  a  single  person,  when  directed  by  sound  knowledge 
into  the  pursuit  of  justice  and  right,  may  gain  more  sub- 
stantial benefits  than  a  thousand  men  led  by  false  princi- 
ples and  ignorant  demagogues." 

The  description  of  Whifton  given  by  Herondine  reminded 
Grace  that  she  saw  him  when  he  delivered  to  her  a  note 


THE  FIRST  DEGREE.  391 

from  her  husband  and  also  a  card  of  instructions  on  the 
night  of  their  departure  from  Richmond. 

"I  remember  him,"  she  said,  "and  wondered  at  the 
time  that  a  person  apparently  so  frail  should  be  in  the  mili- 
tary service  without  some  special  cause.  It  seemed  to  me 
he  had  been  pondering  deeply  over  a  far-off  subject,  for  he 
muttered  incoherent  sentences  and  once  shivered  as  if 
chilled  with  cold.  It  was  probably  his  strangeness  that 
made  him  implicate  himself  in  such  fearful  danger." 

"  Strangeness  be  it,"  said  Herondine.  "  His  action  may 
deserve  that  appellation  too,  perhaps,  but  it  is  not  the  less 
meritorious  on  that  account.  I  imagined  the  Secret  Service 
had  most  power  to  reach  me  when  in  trouble,  but  had  I 
staked  my  hopes  upon  it  I  were  lost.  It  seems  to  me," 
he  continued,  "that  Judge  Whifton's  achievement  points 
towards  an  important  lesson  in  human  affairs.  Men  and 
women  in  all  classes  of  society  can  render  the  highest  ser- 
vice to  themselves,  to  their  country,  and  to  the  world  at 
large,  if  they  study  and  perform  what  is  really  right,  just, 
and  true  to  the  requirements  of  law." 

Herondine  lived  a  long  and  happy  life;  and  when  he  and 
his  wife  died,  a  great  concourse  of  people  followed  their 
remains  to  the  grave,  which  was  situated  amid  blooming 
flowers,  green  shrubs,  and  grasses  charged  with  rich  fra- 
grance, and  where  the  gentle  west  wind  afterwards  came 
betimes  to  sing  a  paean  to  their  memory. 


THE  END. 


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